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, EditorMonday, November 15, 2010DANGER AHEAD ON OHIO PLANThe governor-elect of Ohio, John Kasich,is throwing a monkey wrench in plansfor slots at the state’s racetracks. Kasichsays he has “mixed emotions” about theidea and wants time to study the proposalas it stands, in view of the approval offour Las Vegas style casinos in Cleveland,Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo. Heoffered no estimate of how long it mighttake for him to make up his mind, but itcould be critical for owners of Buckeyetracks. Opponents, meanwhile, continuetheir pressure, saying the machines areunconstitutional.SPECIAL SESSION IN ILLINOISLegislators return to the Illinois statecapital at Springfield tomorrow for ascheduled six-day special session that willinclude discussion and possible action ona bill that would allow slots a the state’sracetracks. There is increasing legislativesupport for the idea, but governor PatQuinn is not enthusiastic. A spokesmansaid Quinn would work with the GeneralAssembly to examine all revenue raisingactions, but “he is not interested in makingIllinois the Las Vegas of the midwest.”A spokeswoman, Kelly Kraft, did not saythat Quinn would veto slots at tracks ifa bill reached his desk. The principalauthor of the slots bill being considered,state senator Terry Link, a WaukeganDemocrat, said “the mood isthere to pass a big bill.”There is less legislative enthusiasm for anincrease in state income taxes. Sixty votesnormally are needed to pass a bill, but 71are require during a veto session such asthe one this week. House members weretold, however, that the 60-vote requirementwould return for an eight-day sessionin early January to consider previouslyunscheduled bills. Senator Linksaid, “We have not reached the gamblingsaturation point by any means.”KENTUCKY SLOTS ODDS LONGElection results in Kentucky have lengthenedthe odds of a slots-at-tracks bill there.Although Republicans gained votes, horseindustry supporters still hope they canmuster a vote on a constitutional amendmentthat would clear the way for theelectorate to overcome opposition. Thepresident of the Senate, David Williams,a Republican, gave some hope when hesaid the Senate might consider a bill if theDemocratic-controlled House passed one.He did not say the Senate would pass one,but he indicated it would depend largelyon what such a proposal provided.CHANCES DIM IN MASS, TOORe-elected Democratic governor DevalPatrick said on his return to office that acasinos bill “will be up to the legislature,”and House speaker Robert DeLeo’s ardorfor a renewed battle seems diminished.He says he will prioritize health careahead of gambling legislation.