HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICA Executive Newsletter

HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICAExecutive NewsletterA daily fax and e-mail report on racing and gaming developments in North America and beyondStanley F. Bergstein, EditorFriday, June 18, 2010650 NEW JOBS IN DELAWAREHTA member Harrington Raceway becameDelaware’s first full racino recently,opening what CEO Patty Key called“everything and anything” in the wayof gambling. Its HTA neighbor, DoverDowns, also is joining full racino status.At Harrington, ten tables, handsomelyoutfitted in black felt with gold detailing,offer poker, and 38 more provide guestswith other table game attractions includingbaccarat and blackjack. Harringtontrained its personnel, with 65% Delawareresidents, and has added 300 new jobs toexpanded food service and security employees.Dover will add 350 new jobs.VERNON BOOSTS PURSES 15%HTA member Vernon Downs will boostits purses some 15% next Thursday, withtop horses to race for $11,000 if seven ormore start.PENN NATL GETS VEGAS OKPenn National Gaming has been grantedapproval by the Nevada Gaming Commissionto acquire 1% control of NevadaSlots & Supplies, a small Nevada-basedslot machine manufacturer, opening theway for the Pennsylvania-based gaminggiant to acquire future status as a casinooperator in Las Vegas or elsewhere in thestate. Rumors have existed for some timethat Penn National was interested in acquiringthe Rio Hotel and Casinofrom Harrah’s Entertainment orThe Mirage from MGM Resorts.In another development, Penn National,which operates 19 tracks and casinos inother areas, and is developing new propertiesin Kansas, Maryland and Ohio,has filed suit against Greenwood Racingof Philadelphia Park, its partner in HTAmember Freehold Raceway. Penn Nationalis suing for Greenwood’s failure tobuild an off-track betting facility on thesite of old Garden State Park in CamdenCounty, NJ. Penn National says Greenwoodhas reneged on its commitment tobuild an OTB site at what now is a largeresidential and retail complex.A LITTLE LATE, GOVERNORNow that Rosecroft Raceway has announcedit is closing down all operations,including its off-track betting facility,July 1, Maryland Governor MartinO’Malley has moved to try to save thetrack. His secretary of state, John Mc-Donough, says he has spoken to representativesof the Maryland thoroughbredindustry about compromises in workingwith Rosecroft, and says they have“an open mind” about working with thegovernor’s office on seeking an arrangement.McDonough, who admitted therunners have strong differing opinions,said it was “a matter of reconciling thoseinterests,” and that, “There’s no guaranteewe could be successful, but we’ll try.”Too bad the effort didn’t come earlier inthe crisis, by intervening with the legislatureand racing commission.