BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Will NYRA Casino Revenues Last?

The New York Racing Association took in $22.1 million in gross revenues during the first three months of the year from its new Aqueduct casino. But the question for NYRA is simple: will it last?

Optimism Abounds in New York Thanks to VLTs

Legislators, regulators, and racetrack executives are expressing growing optimism about the state of the horse racing in New York.

Regional: Empire State Strikes Back

New York revival fueled by VLTs at Aqueduct.

Download Now

Hard Rock Adds Johnson to New York VLT Bid

Hard Rock International has added a potent new force - an entity run by billionaire Robert L. Johnson - to its team to try to win the exclusive rights to develop the long-stalled casino at Aqueduct racetrack.

KY Owners, Trainers React to VLT Bill Failure

In the aftermath of the failed passage of the legislation that would have allowed video lottery terminals at Kentucky racetracks, several Thoroughbred industry members voiced their opinions on how they will survive without the extra boost to the state's purse structure and breeders' incentive programs.

KEEP Rally Draws Nearly 1,000

Nearly a thousand people traveled to Kentucky's state capitol in Frankfort June 17 to rally for a cause they have stood behind for years: to boost the horse racing industry by way of expanded casino gaming.

KY Senator Suggests Instant Racing

Kentucky Sen. Damon Thayer, who sponsored the legislation that resulted in Kentucky's Breeders' Incentive Fund, has inquired about another method of garnering funds for the state's Thoroughbred industry.

Cracks in Foundation of Kentucky Racing

SPECIAL REPORT: Horsemen who call Kentucky home year-round are taking a beating, and they predict even more owners and horses will leave the state. Whether there will be legislative relief any time soon, however, remains to be seen.

Empire Racing: Keep VLTs in New York Hands

A group of horsemen, breeders, and backstretch workers met June 14 in Saratoga Springs, NY to support a call to keep the Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) program at New York State's race tracks in the hands of the New York thoroughbred industry to strengthen thoroughbred racing in the state.

Horsemen's Group Blames NYRA for VLT Delays

The New York Racing Association is to blame for the delays in state approvals needed to begin construction on the long-stalled Aqueduct casino project, the leaders of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association claim.

NYRA Backing Away From Comments Concerning Future of Aqueduct

New York Racing Association officials are cautiously backing away from comments attributed to NYRA President Charles Hayward concerning the possible closure of Aqueduct if the state grants NYRA another racing franchise after 2007.

'For-Profit' Franchise Holder Urged for NYRA

The franchise for the New York Racing Association should be put out to bid and awarded to an entity that will turn the troubled racing group into a for-profit enterprise, the New York state Legislature's top Republican said Tuesday.

VLT Legislation Introduced in New York

Legislation has been introduced in New York to sweeten the pot for racetracks operating video lottery terminals, and to encourage the New York Racing Association's VLT partner to begin construction of a new casino at Aqueduct.

FTBOA Wants Racetrack in Ocala, VLTs

The board of directors for the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association has formulated an ambitious legislative agenda that would bring live racing to Ocala and get video lottery terminals installed at the state's racetracks.

Puerto Rico's El Comandante to Get VLTs

The Puerto Rican government has granted approval for up to 6,000 video lottery terminals to be placed at El Comandante Racetrack in San Juan and its approximately 700 off-track betting outlets on the island.

Bill to Revamp New York Racing Passes Senate

The New York state Senate June 3 gave quick approval to a plan to overhaul the regulation of racing in the state, including a provision designed to get video lottery terminals installed this year at Aqueduct.

VLT Bill Spurs Rush on Michigan Track Licenses

A bill that would allow video slot machines linked to the lottery at horse racing tracks has set off a rush of applications for new tracks in Michigan.

Saratoga VLT's Earn $6.3 Million in Opening Month

The gaming room at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, which opened Jan. 28, handled $82 million and provided net earnings of $6.3 million through March 1.

Illegal Internet Gambling Focus of National Legislative Council

Issues related to the loss of tax dollars from Internet wagering will come into focus when state legislators from across the country meet in Las Vegas to focus on public policy questions related to Internet, casino, and other forms of gaming. The occasion will be the 2004 Winter Meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) at Harrah's Las Vegas on the January 9-11 weekend.

State Audit Recommends VLTs in Florida

Florida's pari-mutuel industry is unable to pay for the cost of regulation and other required obligations after years of declining attendance and tumbling receipts, a state audit said Monday.

Ohio VLT Bill Clears Committee

Legislation to put the issue of video slot machines at Ohio's seven racetracks on the ballot was approved late Tuesday by a Senate committee.

Canterbury Park Pursues VLTs

Minnesota legislators will consider video lottery terminals for Canterbury Park. If approved, the track could double its purses and extend its meet with the help of 1,750 machines.

Kentucky Ethics Commission Critical of Churchill Downs

While finding no state ethics laws were violated, the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission was harsh in its criticism of Churchill Downs for contributions to lawmakers just a few days before the start of last month's legislative session.

Florida VLT Legislation Filed

Two South Florida senators have filed a bill that would allow racetracks and jai-alai frontons to operate video lottery terminals. The machines could get serious consideration this year when legislators are faced with cutting $1 billion from the state budget.

New York Adopts VLT, Casino Legislation

Officials in New York gave final approval early this morning to a historic gambling package giving most racetracks video lottery terminals, allowing up to six Indian-owned casinos in Western New York and the Catskills and expanding the state's lottery offerings.

Ohio Lawmakers Look to Put VLTs at Tracks to Help Schools

Facing a state Supreme Court deadline of June 15 to deal with public school funding problems, Republican members of the Ohio House of Representatives apparently are behind a plan to install video lottery machines at racetracks to raise between $230 million to $930 million in revenue over the next two years.