New York Track Operators Ready to Fight VLTs
19 Jan 2004
NEW YORK – As reported by Bloodhorse: "Track operators in New York are gearing up for a major lobbying battle against an effort to spread video lottery terminals beyond the state's horse racing industry.
"Gov. George Pataki, in his plan for fiscal year 2004, was said to be planning an expansion of VLTs into off-track betting parlors or other franchises such as hotels.
"…New York Racing Association chairman Barry Schwartz couldn't be reached for comment, but officials with other racetracks privately said the Pataki plan would undercut their VLT plans.
"…Sources in the Pataki administration acknowledged some sort of VLT expansion is almost assured to be in the budget plan…"