The Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) at the University of Arizona is the only program of its kind. We offer two paths based on student interest. The Business Path prepares students for employment in the areas of race track management, regulation and pari-mutuel racing organizations. The Equine Management Path prepares students for employment in areas dealing with racing and breeding animals.

The mission of the RTIP is to offer students a broad-based university education with emphasis on the pari-mutuel racing industry and provide support for the industry through a variety of outreach programs.

RTIP students have the opportunity to present their research findings to an audience of industry leaders at the annual Symposium on Racing & Gaming.  Undergraduate seniors spend part of fall semester conducting an independent study project called Senior Capstone. With the guidance of program director Doug Reed, students interact with industry leaders to research, survey, and analyze vital components of the horse racing industry.

As part of the core curriculum, graduate students also conduct a form of independent study for the Professional Development Project. Like Senior Capstone, graduate students also have the opportunity to present their research at the annual Symposium on Racing & Gaming.

The Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming, held annually in Tucson Arizona since 1974, attracts attendees who represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Greyhound interests from across North America and the world. Topics presented during the event include cutting-edge issues and trends of importance to the pari-mutuel industry including simulcasting, account wagering, marketing, track surfaces, casino gaming, human and equine health issues, track operations, new technologies and regulation.

dreed@ag.arizona.edu | 520.621.5660

As Program Director for the Race Track Industry Program (RTIP), Reed is responsible for the coordination, administration, promotion and fund raising for the RTIP. His teaching duties include Organization/Administration of the Racing Department, Race Track Organization, Structure and Financial Management, Racing Business Strategies & Global Perspective and Senior Capstone: Current Issues in the Animal Racing Industry.

In addition to the academic program responsibilities, the RTIP hosts the world’s largest multi-bred pari-mutuel conference each year. This event attracts approximately 650 participants and focuses on the business and management of pari-mutuel racing facilities.

Prior to assuming his present position at The University of Arizona, Reed served as Vice President of Racing for Santa Fe Racing, Inc. which operated two pari-mutuel facilities in New Mexico. Before relocating to the Southwest, he served as a racing official for 15 years throughout the East and Midwest. He was racing secretary for Arlington Park, Oaklawn Park and Rockingham Park and a racing official at many tracks including Gulfstream Park, Laurel Race Course, The Meadowlands, Monmouth Park, and Pimlico Race Course.

In addition, he has been a speaker at the Association of Racing Commissioners International Convention, Asian Racing Conference, International Simulcasting Conference, American Greyhound Track Operators Association Convention, and The Harness Tracks of America Convention. Reed was chairman for the year 2000 Asian Racing Conference session on education and careers. He also served on the Governor’s County Fairs, Livestock and Agriculture Promotion Fund Advisory Committee, several Department of Animal Sciences’ committees and formerly was a member of the board of directors of Winner’s Circle Foundation of New Mexico. He helped facilitate the Canadian Racing Industry Strategy Session, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s Horsemen’s Forum.

Hai Ng

@HaiOnGaming

Co-founder of Neomancer, a unique technology consultancy and advisory firm, Hai is often described by his clients and peers as a Renaissance man; a polymath, possessing the breadth and depth of knowledge in a wide variety of fields to develop solutions for a multitude of problems. 

Hai is technologist whose focus includes gaming and game design in regulated gambling, skill-based gaming, gamification and general entertainment; gaming and behaviors in social ecosystems; human factors, interaction and user experience in product and interface design; media in digital, film and television; security, privacy, policies and infrastructure in technical operations; and technology in the arts. 

As an analyst and advisor, Hai works with companies ranging from startups to multi-nationals, and is a regular contributor to iGambing Business, a leading publisher in the iGaming sector. 

Beyond Neomancer, Hai is a creator, musician and photographer with published works and several award-winning achievements, including a commissioned piece exhibited at New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Vin Narayanan

Vin Narayanan is gaming industry veteran and a longtime horse racing aficionado. He is currently the head of gaming and PR for a Hong Kong-based iGaming startup that is targeting the Asian market. Prior to that, he was the Editor-in-chief for Casino City -- the premier information source for gaming professionals and enthusiasts. He is considered an expert on the legal and regulatory landscape of online gaming.

Vin came to the gaming industry after establishing himself in mainstream media, where he spent nearly a decade covering sports, politics and elections, wars, technology, celebrities and the Census for USATODAY.com, USA WEEKEND and CNN.

A proud graduate of Michigan State University, Vin spends as much time as possible watching the Spartans play football, basketball and hockey.

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