Second Thunder

What is Second Thunder?

The Belmont Stakes, which was staged at Saratoga during construction, will return to its traditional Long Island home in 2027. Belmont will also host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in October 2027, bringing the event back to New York for the first time since 2005.

Belmont represents NYRA’s vision of a new operating model for racing in the state—a smaller, modernized venue capable of absorbing the entire downstate racing calendar. And with almost $14 million wagered on its opening card, it’s off to a flying start.

The post Belmont Park Rebuild: New $455M Track Reopens With $14M Betting Handle appeared first on Casino.org.

How to play Second Thunder

With the addition of OmniLogic, the supplier expects to “add proven technology, specialist expertise and established customer partnerships that complement our existing capabilities and strengthen our global business”. 

OpenBet describes OmniLogic as “the partner of choice for lotteries worldwide”.

Nikos Konstakis (pictured above), president of OpenBet, described the acquisition as “a natural extension” of the company’s ongoing strategy to serve operators in the most regulated and demanding markets. 

How to play Second Thunder

What the president does not acknowledge is that the government relies on revenue from the sector. In just the first seven months of 2026, BRL8.747 billion generated by sports betting has already flowed into public coffers. The Federal Revenue Service estimates the total could reach BRL16 billion by the end of the year. In 2025, nearly BRL9 billion was collected from sportsbooks.

The burning question is where such funds will come from if Lula shuts down the betting industry. Yet, no one points out to him that players will simply migrate to the illegal market. Betting will continue to exist, but without formal tax revenue, oversight or player protections.

It will be up to the government to effectively curb the illegal market so the regulated sector continues to generate taxes and jobs while upholding responsible gambling practices. By riding the wave of criticism against betting companies, the government is diverting attention from the true cause of household indebtedness.