Rockingham Park, where poker, roulette and other gaming will provide 36 charities with $2 million this year, is taking over operation of the games.
Track president and general manager and HTA director Ed Callahan is severing the 'Rock’s agreement with Granite State Poker, which filed for bankruptcy protection and, according to the filing, has claims pending for $40,000 in unpaid wages and $200,000 owed to various creditors.
A judge has given the parties a requested stay until September 30 to work out a schedule for payment of those debts. Under New Hampshire law the gaming can be for charitable purposes only, and charities can get up to 10 days each, with operations from noon to midnight. The arrangement produced $1.8 million for the charities last year, and in addition to a rental fee Rockingham receives the benefit of drawing fans who otherwise might not know of the facility and what it offers in harness racing.
The track will take over gaming operations October 10. Until that time, Granite State Poker will continue operating the gaming and pay Rockingham $2,000 a day for the charity funds and 3.5% of gross revenue.
Both Rockingham and Granite State will train new employees between now and the takeover, in regular operations and new games including three-card poker and
Let It Ride.
Under the agreement, Dan Brown, owner of Granite State Poker, will be barred from the track and from having a stake or consulting role with any competing business within a six-mile radius around Rockingham for two years from the October 11 takeover date.
(Harness Tracks of America)