The New York Gaming Summit will make its downstate debut in the Hudson River Valley, and the proximity to the state’s biggest racetracks and largest wagering markets provide an ample opportunity to discuss the current crisis in the racing industry.
The ninth annual Summit, which has become a forum to discuss state and regional gaming issues, is set for June 21-22 at the Doubletree Hotel Tarrytown.
“The bankruptcy of New York City OTB and the cash flow crisis facing the New York Racing Association are significant challenges in the road ahead for the racing industry in the state,” said Charles Anderer, group publisher, in a release. “The Summit is the ideal setting to explore these issues, especially as the state readies a third attempt to get video gaming at Aqueduct up and running.”
In a session entitled “The Troubled State of Horse Racing and Off-Track Betting in New York,” several industry stakeholders will participate in a discussion about the need for a long-term solution to keep live racing, off-track betting, and Internet/home wagering viable in New York.
Confirmed speakers to date are:
--Dick Powell, racing industry consultant
--Chris Riegle, president and general manager, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
--John Sabini, chairman, New York State Racing & Wagering Board
--John Van Lindt, chairman, The Task Force on the Future of Off-Track Betting in New York State
The Summit’s conference program also covers a variety of other timely issues. In addition to a regional market analysis, a video gaming update, and an overview of state political and legal issues, including tribal-state relationships, there is a new session that examines marketing success strategies, including making the most of limited budgets.
The Summit’s keynote address will be delivered by Jeffrey Gural, chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, which owns Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs in upstate New York. Gural has been one of the driving forces behind legislative change in New York as it relates to the racing and gaming industry.
