According to a report, the New York Racing Association is looking into the possibility of opening teletheatres in
New York City.
“NYRA has the ability to establish teletheatres right now if they wanted to (in New York City). They’re looking into that,” The Saratogian has New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John Sabini was quoted as saying yesterday during discussions with a state Senate’s Racing, Wagering and Gaming Committee.
The Saratogian report states that NYRA has recently been taking steps to offer wagering on its website in an attempt to capture some of the $750 million in annual wagering which was handled by the now bankrupt New York City OTB.
The article cites the NYSRWB as taking the position that NYRA is the critical -- and essentially the 'central nervous system' of the state's thoroughbred racing industry -- and that it must be protected at all costs.
“This is the beginning of what will be a very aggressive year,” committee member Roy J. McDonald was quoted as saying in regard to 2011. “There’s got to be a long-term plan for the racing and wagering community of New York and it’s got to be lead by the governor. I plan on working with him.”
The article also provides comments from committee members about the worry in the state industry about the proposed Indian casino for the Catskills.
(With files from The Saratogian)