Harness Tracks of America has put together a short list of quick information in regard to three states (Delaware, Illinois, Rhode Island) which have been in the news over the past couple of days.
Delaware
With Dover Downs opening 40 tables today, Delaware becomes an all-racino racing state. Harrington Raceway kicked off its table games operation May 28 and Delaware Park last Friday.
Illinois
Both Arlington Park President Roy Arnold and Bob Evans, chairman of Arlington’s parent company, Churchill Downs, cast doubt on the future of a slotless Arlington.
Arnold said it was “difficult to see a bright ending,” and Evans said “it is difficult to justify racing at a track without slots...you can’t run on hope.”
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri has vetoed legislation that would have resulted in a November referendum on converting Twin River and Newport Grand into full blown major casinos.
The governor said he strongly supported the referenda process, but could not support legislation that left division of the spoils and other critical financial information unknown.
He said the bill left the state with no bargaining power, called it “a deeply flawed strategy,” and likened it to a buyer taking possession of a house before determining the price.
Whether enough votes are available to override, particularly in the Senate, is uncertain. It would require three-fifths of both the House’s 75 members present and voting, and the Senate’s 38 members, and Senate president Theresa Paiva Weed opposes a casino in Newport and says she is not planning to recall the Senate for a special session vote.
(With files from HTA)