Magna Appeals Licensing of Proposed Erie Track
Magna Entertainment's Pennsylvania subsidiary has appealed a decision by regulators to grant MTR Gaming a license to build Presque Isle Downs, a Thoroughbred racetrack proposed for the Erie area.
Alternative Gaming
News, Articles, Videos and other content about Alternative Gaming
California Racetrack Slots Could Prove Tough Sell
- By Jack Shinar
Seeing a future in which purses are no longer golden, the Thoroughbred Owners of California will begin an uphill battle next year to bring slot machines to racetracks by 2005.
Florida VLT Bill Filed, But Amendment Expected
- By Tom LaMarra
Legislation to authorize video lottery terminals at all pari-mutuel facilities in Florida was filed by Sen. Steven Geller, who said it could very well be changed in light of concerns over revenue splits.
Integration of Racing and Gaming Debated by Panel
- By Tom LaMarra
Can racing and gaming be integrated in one facility? Apparently so, but the final product won't look the same from racetrack to racetrack.
Racetrack Video Slots May Have to Wait in Ohio
Emergency legislation to authorize video slot machines at Ohio's seven racetracks is apparently dead in current session of the legislature.
Ohio Governor: No Go, Again, on Racetrack Slots
Gov. Bob Taft has again warned the Ohio legislature that he would veto any bill allowing video slot machines at the state's seven commercial racetracks. Taft issued a terse written warning he would veto the bill that would bring in an estimated $500 million for primary and secondary education.
Bill to Authorize Racetrack VLTs Introduced in Ohio
Legislation to authorize 14,000 video slot machines at Ohio's seven racetracks was introduced Nov. 19. The bill, which includes an emergency clause that requires a two-thirds vote by the Senate and House, was introduced by Sen. Louis Blessing, whose district includes River Downs.
Legislation for Meadowlands Slots Undecided
A Nov. 18 hearing by the New Jersey Economic Growth Committee on legislation to authorize slot machines at Meadowlands ended early because the sponsor, Sen. Joseph Suliga, is still in the process of making changes to the bill.
In Kentucky, Expanded Gambling a Topic Again
It has been months since Kentucky's racing industry made a push for alternative gaming in the legislature, but the issue of gaming, in light of the state's budget deficit, is slowly creeping back into the picture.
Legislative Route Chosen for Ohio Racetrack Slots
A bill to authorize video slot machines at Ohio' racetracks will be introduced in the state legislature and not sent to the voters as a constitutional amendment, a top legislator said.
Racinos: Room for Growth, Need for Diversification
- By Tom LaMarra
Though the results of the Nov. 5 elections have the potential to be positive for the racing industry in some states, a top casino executive warned against the "irrational exuberance" that could develop at a time when racetrack gaming must become destination gaming.
Racetrack Gaming May Hinge on Votes in Some States
- By Tom LaMarra
Elections in six states Nov. 5 may determine, or at least play a role, in the future of alternative gaming at racetracks.
Officials Discuss Benefits of Racetrack Gaming
If horse racing is to gain ground, racing interests and state lawmakers must find a way to integrate pari-mutuel wagering with electronic gaming devices, said Dr. Richard Thalheimer, professor of equine administration at the University of Louisville.
New York Tracks May Face More Casino Competition
- By Tom Precious
In a move with implications for the state's racing industry, the federal government has given the go-ahead for a western New York Indian tribe to open three casinos, a decision that could pave the way for three other new casinos in New York's Catskill Mountains.
Slots Give Delta Purses $12.8M in Less Than a Year
Slot machines at Delta Downs in Vinton, La., have generated almost $13 million in purse money in less than eight months this year, according to financial records released by the Louisiana State Gaming Control Board.
VLT Suppliers Picked, But New York Tracks Wary
- By Tom Precious
New York lottery officials have selected four firms to supply video lottery terminals at racetracks for a new gambling program, but so far, track officials aren't leaping at it because they insist it will lose money.
Talk of Slots or VLTs at Jersey Racetracks Continues
The push for alternative gaming at racetracks continues in New Jersey.
Confucius Say: Mucho Money at Charles Town
Charles Town Races, which came back from the dead with the introduction on video lottery terminals in the late 1990s, will offer more than $1 million in purses this weekend in conjunction with the West Virginia Breeders Classics.
Canterbury Has Plans for Racino, But Approval Needed
Canterbury Park has plans for a multi-purpose entertainment and gaming complex, but it hinges on legislative approval or adoption of a constitutional amendment.
Industry Focus: Racing Experience Needs Some Diversity
- By Tom LaMarra
The lure of the racetrack, and what can be done to make it a more attractive entertainment option, was part of the focus during the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's annual meeting.
NYRA and Trump in VLT Deal? It's Possible
- By Tom Precious
The New York Racing Association, with its video lottery terminal program running behind schedule, is turning to outside casino operators to run its proposed Aqueduct VLT facility, and among those under consideration is Atlantic City casino mogul Donald Trump.
Michigan Poll: Gambling OK, But Is There Too Much?
While legislation that would allow video gaming at Michigan racetracks awaits action in the state legislature, residents have voiced their opposition to the proliferation of casino-type gambling in a recent poll.
Agreement in New Jersey: Tracks Need Slot Machines
A hearing Sept. 19 by the New Jersey Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee produced a rare show of unity between Thoroughbred and Standardbred horsemen as representatives from each testified in favor of legislation that would allow slot machines at four New Jersey racetracks.
Harrah's Included in Louisiana Suitability Investigation
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has ordered a suitability investigation into Harrah's Entertainment in regard to its announced purchase of Louisiana Downs.
Interesting Twist: Racetrack Slots Hurt Boat's Business
The Isle of Capri in Lake Charles, La., wants to move one of its two riverboat casinos closer to the Texas state line because a lucrative slot-machine parlor at nearby Delta Downs is having a negative effect on its business.
Horsemen, Racetrack Slots on Agenda in New Jersey
The New Jersey Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee will devote its entire agenda Sept. 19 to horsemen's issues, including legislation that would allow slot machines at state racetracks.
Two Indiana Tracks Must Compete for Subsidy
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission, in close vote, has ruled that two racetracks will compete for a riverboat admissions tax subsidy rather than split the revenue 50-50.
VLTs Hook in Plan to Resurrect New York Racetrack
- By Tom Precious
A company that for years has been trying different ways to break into the racing industry has now set its sights on an obscure former Quarter Horse racetrack in upstate New York.
Ohio Candidate: Use Racetrack VLTs to Help State
The Democratic candidate for governor in Ohio has unveiled a proposed budget for the state that includes video lottery terminals at the state's seven racetracks.
Pennsylvania Track Plan Could Draw Opposition
The former president of Pocono Downs has a plan to bring Standardbred racing back to the Delaware Valley, but some view his proposal as an attempt to cash in on slot machines should the Pennsylvania legislature approve such a measure.
Account Bets, Purse Schedule Key Issues at Mountaineer
- By Tom LaMarra
Horsemen support a plan by Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort to implement account wagering, but they're at odds with management over purse payments and have asked the West Virginia Racing Commission to mediate.
Kentucky Governor: Consider Expanded Gambling
Expanded gambling is preferable to raising taxes to help balance Kentucky's budget, Gov. Paul Patton said Aug. 5 during a news conference that kicked off Responsible Gaming Education Week.
In Michigan, Racetrack Gaming Part of Proposal
The future of Michigan's Thoroughbred industry may lie squarely in the hands of three departing Republican politicians who are working against a year-end deadline to decide the fate of a legislative package that could reinvigorate racing in the state.
Gaming Panel: Track's Poker Machines Not Illegal
The Louisiana State Gaming Control Board has ruled that video poker machines at Delta Downs in Vinton qualify as slot machines under state law.
New York Racing Laws Extended; More Debate Set
- By Tom Precious
A series of racing laws in New York have been extended by state lawmakers, who failed, however, to act on several other items from an industry wish list involving video lottery terminals and off-track betting corporations.
Report: Benefits of Ohio Racetrack Slots Exaggerated
The costs of problem gambling could outweigh the economic benefits if Ohio's seven racetracks were permitted to install slot machines, according to a draft report by a committee studying the impact of gambling in the state.
VLT Operating Hours Still Hot Issue in New York
- By Tom Precious
Racetracks in New York have launched a last-ditch effort to extend the operating hours of the state's new video lottery program. The tracks insist they need to let gamblers stay at their facilities longer if they are to turn a profit.
Ruling Worth $17M to Prairie Meadows in 2002
Prairie Meadows stands to save $17 million in gaming tax payments this year and $23 million by 2004 after the Iowa Supreme Court ruled June 12 that it was unconstitutional to charge a higher tax rate for slot machines at racetracks than those on riverboats.
Iowa Court: Racetrack Casino Tax Isn't Equitable
- By Tom LaMarra
The pari-mutuel industry in Iowa got a major boost June 12 when state Supreme Court justices ruled they could "find no rational reason for treating racetrack slot machines differently than riverboat slot machines." Racetracks currently pay a 32% tax, while the riverboats pay 20%.
Louisiana Legislators Wary of Racetrack Proposals
Plans have been floated for two racetracks in Louisiana, but some legislators have asked the state racing commission not to issue any more licenses. They believe the plans are more about gaming than horse racing.
Indiana Gaming Expansion Lingers at Special Session
Dockside gaming and pull-tab legislation were not passed into law during the Indiana General Assembly's regular session earlier this year, but both measures have made their way into a new budget bill during the special session now under way.
Ohio Racetrack Gaming: Only a Matter of Time?
The Ohio Senate May 30 concurred with House changes and approved a $1.17-billion budget bill that has no provisions for video lottery terminals at the state's seven racetracks. However, supporters of legislation to legalize VLTs are still confident the proposal will pass in the future.
Racetrack Slots Not Dead Yet in Illinois
No one in Illinois government seems to like the idea of slot machines at racetracks, but the proposal remained on the table as the legislature's spring session went into overtime in an attempt to find new revenue sources to solve a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall.
Prairie Meadows, County Agree on Eight-Year Lease
After more false endings than "Die Hard," the Prairie Meadows lease agreement between Polk County and the Racing Association of Central Iowa is finally official.
Delta Slots: $32M in Revenue in Three Months
Slot machines at Delta Downs have generated more than $32 million in gross revenue in less than three months, according to financial records released by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Racetrack VLT Proposal on Back Burner in Ohio
A proposal to allow video lottery terminals at seven Ohio racetracks is still alive in the statehouse--but just barely.
Illinois Fiscal Woes Bring Talk of Racetrack Slots
The latest unlikely solution for a huge Illinois state budget crisis: Slot machines at racetracks.
Racetrack Slots Seem Good Bet in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania horsemen and racetracks may eventually be the beneficiaries of slot-machine revenue given the fact all three candidates in the state's race for governor have indicated to various degrees that they support alternative gambling.
NYRA Franchise Extension Approved by Legislature
- By Tom Precious
A deal to extend the New York Racing Association's franchise to run three tracks in the state was approved May 16 by the Senate and Assembly as part of a state budget package. NYRA must have VLTs in operation at Aqueduct by April 1, 2003.
New York Racetrack VLT Deal Appears in Jeopardy
- By Tom Precious
A deal to give New York racetracks a greater share of proceeds from video lottery terminals appears to be falling apart, according to state budget negotiators.
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