Finish Line: The Rise and Demise of Off-Track Betting tells the story of New York’s Off-Track Betting system, a major part of horse racing for nearly 40 years.

For decades, New York Off-Track Betting was the only legal way for people to bet on horse races without going to the track itself. It took in billions of dollars in wagers, helped support the horse racing industry, and provided jobs for thousands of New Yorkers.

The documentary examines how OTB was created, how it operated, and why it was suddenly shut down by the New York State Senate on December 7, 2010. The closure left thousands of workers without jobs, disappointed regular bettors, and created a serious financial hole for the racing industry that others had to scramble to fill.

Through interviews and investigation, the film looks at the reasons behind the shutdown and who ultimately gained from OTB’s end. It features voices like Eric Adams (years before he became Mayor of New York City), the late Jimmy Breslin, Hazel Dukes, Bill Finley, and Lucy Sante.

Written, narrated, and directed by Joseph Fusco, with photography by Matthew W. Flannery and music by Stephen Cullo, Finish Line is an honest, straightforward account of a big piece of New York history that affected working people, fans, and the racing world. Fusco was a former New York Off-Track Betting employee for many years.  The film has won several awards, including Best Documentary at multiple festivals such as the Dubai International Film Festival as well as honors for its focus on workers.