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New York Governor Tries to Jump Start VLT Plan

"As part of his new budget, Pataki is proposing to make it easier for tracks to gain financing to build the racinos. In moves to drive up handle, the governor also proposes bills that would authorize unlimited evening simulcasting of thoroughbred horse racing at OTB parlors and eliminate minimum account balances for telephone bets at tracks and OTBs.

"Gambling revenue is a key part of the governor's budget, including $1.8 billion from the Division of Lottery, in addition to plans for new taxes and fees and deep cuts in education and health care.

"Pataki's budget assumes $40 million from the new Niagara Falls casino run by the Seneca Indian Nation, but no revenue from the proposed installation of thousands of video lottery terminals at horse tracks. In 2001, when Pataki agreed to allow tracks to install VLTs, similar to slot machines, the administration estimated annual state VLT revenues would reach $145 million by this year.

"…The governor's bill would extend the hours of operation that tracks could be open for video gambling. He would make the VLT law permanent, dropping its proposed expiration in 2007, while letting the tracks keep more of the revenues they were supposed to share with horsemen.

"…Pataki also plans for new revenue from a quicker Quick Draw, improved so that games can be played a minute faster.

"…Pataki would let the tracks operate 18 hours a day, up from the 12 hours under current law.

"…Pataki is also eliminating the requirement that bettors have at least $450 in an account when placing bets on the telephone to New York Racing Association tracks. NYRA has been requesting such changes for years…

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