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VLTs Spur Michigan Race Applicants

MICHIGAN – As reported by the Detroit Free Press: "With video lottery terminals a looming possibility for Michigan horse tracks, the race to get in the game is on among people who've never owned a track.

"Four new racetrack applications already are pending before the state racing commissioner. And the commissioner has talked with other interested parties, including casino owner Don Barden and a group that wants to build a track in Highland Park.

"And now, a plan to put as many as 2,000 of the slot machines tied to the state lottery at each of Michigan's seven tracks soon could be voted out of the state Senate committee where it has languished for months.

"…Until now, no one had sought to open a new track in Michigan in nearly two decades.

"…Some of those proposing new licenses in Michigan said they will build their tracks with or without slot machines. But the state's racing commissioner, former legislator Robert Geake, said that for the sake of all tracks, there should be new tracks only if all can be viable.

"…Opposition to the racino bills has been intense, especially from Detroit's casinos, which are considering a petition drive for a ballot measure to block slots at tracks…"

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