2005 - Harness Tracks of America, Inc.

HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICAExecutive NewsletterA daily fax and e-mail report on racing and gaming developments in North America and beyondStanley F. Bergstein, EditorFLORIDA: SIX MONTHS, MAYBEThe Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering hassix months to produce rules for slots in Browardcounty, now that the legislature has finally signedoff on the bill and Gov. Jeb Bush says he will signit, reluctantly. But at least one authority on thesubject is skeptical. Florida senator Steve Geller,founder and president of the National Council ofLegislators from Gaming States, says he expectsBush to make the rule-making process as difficultas possible for the pari-mutuel operations.“The governor’s already said he’d try to throwup all the regulatory roadblocks he can,” Gellertold the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. A spokesmanfor Bush told the paper that Bush wouldnot be involved in preparation of the rules. Bushhimself said, “I’d rather be creating jobs in wayspeople’s lives are improved, but the voters didvote for this.” Those voters apparently thinkgambling is one of the pleasures of life and doesimprove it in a country where grimness has becomecommonplace. Dan Adkins of HollywoodGreyhound, who has been speaking for theBroward tracks through all this mess, is an optimist.“I’m not concerned,” he says. “I thinkthere will be a good-faith effort.” We hopeyou’re right, Doug.The entire Florida racing bill is online on thehome page of our HTA Web site, for those whomay wish to download and peruse it.IN MAINE, VINDICATIONIt is rare when a newspaper gives gambling thebenefit of the doubt, but the Bangor News didover the weekend when it acknowledged thatthe promises of slots as a possible salvationfor Maine’s harness racing industry and othersocial, cultural and educational needs are beingfulfilled. The paper said that official figuresshow that in the first five weeks ofoperation, the slots in Bangor have generated$775,000 for the 10 beneficiariesspelled out in the slots law.December 12, 2005Under the Maine formula, Hollywood Slots -- thename Penn National Gaming gave its operation --pays 1% of total slots wagering to the state. Eightninepercent is returned to players. Of the remaining10%, 39% goes to the state for distributionamong the 10 beneficiaries, 10% goes to supplementpurses, and 3% goes to the Maine SireStakes. The executive director of the Maine HarnessRacing Commission, Henry Jackson, says heexpects purses will rise from $1.3 million in 2004to $2.1 million next year.FAIL SAFES ARE JUST THATOr at least that’s what they are supposed to be.The New York Times has a big story today onYonkers Raceway continuing to receive paymentsfrom New York City OTB even though there isno live racing at Yonkers. OTB chairman DavidCornstein called it a disgrace. Bob Galterio, Yonkers’general manager, saw it a bit differently.“I’m not arguing that it’s right or wrong,” he said.“I’m just arguing that they have a responsibilityto pay.” The original legislation that created thesituation was a fail safe arrangement under whichOTB was given the right to broadcast fewer racesfrom Yonkers and Monticello but in return forbringing in simulcast signals from thoroughbredtracks around the country, but continue to paythe tracks the same amount as previously. In arare display of courage on the part of a legislatureon a gambling matter, state senator NicholasA. Spano defended his actions against critics.Spano noted that Yonkers Raceway was one ofthe city’s largest employers, and said, “I will continueto work as hard as I can to make sure thetrack remains economically viable. I am proudof the fact that they think I am the protector ofYonkers Raceway, because in fact I am.” Manof the Year material.If you haven’t already sent your room reservationsfor the Bellagio, or your HTA Directoryinformation, please do so.