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, EditorTuesday, December 7, 2010NY SENATE VOTES ON NYCOTBOur fading vision erred last week in thinkingwe saw the troops of the New York Senateriding over the hill to save New YorkCity OTB by signing on Gov. David Paterson’sreorganization bill. It turned outthey were riding away, leaving the battleto the Assembly, which approved it, butabandoning the scene when its help wasneeded to pass the legislation. We havecleaned out glasses, and now see the Senateriders are back, and due to vote today.Whether they have enough votes to passthe issue is a matter of great debate in Albany.We will know later today and passon the word.LET’S TRY BUSSES INSTEADInstead of relying on the cavalry andhorsepower, how about trying a new idea.New York state senator Eric Adams, nowchairman of the Senate Committee onRacing, Gaming and Wagering, said hehad no idea how the various elements ofracing were joined until he took a onehourtour of breeding and racing farms.How about hiring a fleet and taking thewhole Albany crew on a tour. Since itseems likely most are like Adams and hadno idea about the racing industry, it mightchange everything if they learned about it.If it works, go to Trenton and do the samewith the New Jersey gang. We have longbelieved the educational effort couldand should start there. It isn’t goingto start in the press.REID’S ONLINE BET DRAFTThe latest draft of U.S. Senate majorityleader Harry Reid’s bill to legalize onlinepoker was being circulated today. Hereare a few reported highlights.The first license would be issued 15 monthsafter its enactment.Sites would pay 20% of revenue as a licensingfee.Once enacted, current sites offering U.S.citizens the right to play would have 30days to cease operations if they wished toreceive a license.Three key Republican House committeeleaders with jurisdiction over Internetgambling -- Spencer Bachus of FinancialServices, Dave Camp of Ways and Means,and Lamar Smith of Judiciary -- alreadyare reported to be lobbying against consideration.The 111thCongress is nearingits conclusion. You judge Reid’s chances.NOBODY KNOWS NOTHIN’That summarizes results of Marylandmeetings of key legislators and officialsyesterday, except that the state wants tokeep the Preakness.In New York, the Senate returns to voteon salvation for New York City OTB, butreportedly will not consider the versionalready passed by the Assembly. It has itsown version of a new measure that wouldextend the NYC OTB benefits to OTBsthroughout the state, with track sharesreportedly lessened.