NYTB, in partnership with the New York Farm Bureau and Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protection Association, has posted an online petition to support proposed legislation (S.4367/A.6345-A) designed to hold Finger Lakes horsemen’s purses and the Fund “harmless” from the negative effects of the nearby Lago Casino and Resort.
This issue touches everyone involved in New York breeding and racing. Once the Lago Casino and Resort opens for business, Finger Lakes operator Delaware North is projected to lose up to 40 percent of its gaming revenue. If not mitigated by legislation, this loss of revenue will extend to the Finger Lakes horsemen’s purse account and the Fund.
Please sign this Action Alert Petition today and spread the world to other stakeholders! This critical issue needs grassroots support!
I have followed the New York State casino siting debate process with quite a bit of interest. I am very concerned about the future of both the thoroughbred and standard bred horse racing facilities in upstate New York, and their ability to continue to meet their payroll for existing jobs. These jobs do not just exist at the race track plant itself, but through many levels of the local community, involving both commercial and agricultural operations. I am surprised that the framers of the casino legislation did not take the existing ‘legal’ gambling operations into consideration when proposing amending the constitution. It seems that some provision should have been ‘built-in’ to protect existing operations, which have struggled for years in the ‘vague’ gambling environment our state fostered.
I believe horse racing is responsible for much of what makes upstate New York a desirable place to live and work. The Empire State, through the influx of VLT revenue, has revolutionized its purse structure and breeding fund incentives to become a leader in the industry. Racing and breeding stables are relocating from across America, to do business here, which is incredibly refreshing in light of our recent economic past.
I support proposed legislation (S.4367 / A.6345-A) designed to hold Finger Lakes horsemen’s purses and the Fund “harmless” from the negative effects of the nearby Lago Casino and Resort. I realize this legislation may be difficult to enact, however, I believe the geographically harmful effect on existing horse racing operations demands action. I urge all upstate legislators to support this Bill.