Even though New York Governor David Paterson has touted Empire Resorts' proposed $100 million expansion of its gaming operations at Monticello Raceway, news earlier this week that an Indian casino has been proposed for the Catskills has gaming operators very upset
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According to a report on the Oneida Daily Dispatch, on Monday, November 22, Paterson announced plans for a full-scale casino -- to be operated by the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe of Wisconsin -- near Monticello.
The move would not only impact Monticello, but also the future gaming operation at Aqueduct and virtually every other gaming facility in the state, including Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs, Yonkers Raceway and Saratoga.
“We’ve been waiting nine years for Aqueduct,” Rick Violette, a NYRA board member, trainer and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association president was quoted as saying. “Before even the first dollar is in a slot machine, the revenue is going to be changed. It’s just unconscionable.”
Saratoga Gaming & Raceway President Daniel Gerrity was quoted as saying, “The tax deal they’re proposing would put all the racinos in the state at a disadvantage,” while Vernon and Tioga owner Jeff Gural said, “The governor is completely wrong. You don’t have to be a math wizard. It makes no sense.”
(With files from the Oneida Daily Dispatch)
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