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Industry Proposals Put on Hold in New York

"In the days before the attack, talks were heating up between Gov. George Pataki and legislative leaders over a plan to permit video lottery terminals at one or more racetracks in the state as part of an experimental program that would also include entry of New York in the multi-state Powerball lottery system.

"In addition, negotiations were said to be proceeding on another proposal to permit up to six Indian-owned casinos in the state -- three in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls region, and three in the Catskill Mountains area.

"…`How can you concentrate on racetracks when you've got 7,000 people missing?' said Senate Racing Committee chairman William Larkin.

"Also on hold are any discussions dealing with the proposed sale of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. to a group led by Magna Entertainment. Some have speculated that the sale, which was in deep trouble before the attack because of the New York Racing Association's influence in the legislature, could become an issue again because New York City may need revenue in the wake of the attack.

"…Larkin suggested the most certain of all the gambling options is Powerball, mostly because it will provide the quickest boost of revenues to the state. VLTs and casinos, he said, will do nothing to help the state in the current fiscal year."

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