Horse racing has been known as the "sport of kings,” but its popularity, like boxing’s, has leveled off in recent decades. That hasn’t extended, though, to people who like to place a wager every once in a while.

The Arizona Department of Racing is trying to make that even easier by authorizing Telephone Account Wagering, or phone betting, for Phoenix-based Turf Paradise.

If you’re someone who likes the pageantry and atmosphere and walking up to the window to talk to the cigar-chewing guy who takes your wager, phone betting may not be for you. Vince Francia is Turf Paradise General Manager.