OTB: WE’LL CLOSE UNLESS ALBANY RIDES TO THE RESCUE
According to the New Daily News, the NYC OTB board voted yesterday to lay off all 1,300 employees unless they are given a lifeline from Albany. Without the deal, all 66 betting parlors will be forced to close as of April 11th.
NYRA, which is owed $15 million by the OTB, obviously opposed the bankruptcy as it tries to recoup its money adding another piece of bad news to an organization that has had its own struggles.
At the crux of the request to Albany is a push to reduce the share of betting profits that must be returned to the racing industry. Additionally, the OTB would also like to borrow $250 million to set up kiosks in pubs to give more access to betting across the region.
Then come back to the Paulick Report and let us know what you think
Tags: bradford cummings, New York Daily News, NYCOTB, nyra, Paulick Report
March 23rd, 2010 at 7:30 am
1, Investigate
2, Prosecute
3, Turn over to NYRA
March 23rd, 2010 at 8:40 am
That would be very easy, u take out the fumbling morons who dont know a lick about the sport in upper management , anyone ever watch these public board meetings on NYCOTB.com?? Iliterate buffoons that never speak about the fans, customers, the words horse racing never come out, the president doesn’t even speak, yeah that guy , Guiliani’s lawyer cousin!! How the F–K is still he around.Didn’t a task force strongly recommend The only department that should prosper is the OTB television network, they have restored the channel with racing from around the world, informative programming, great handicapping shows, nice features, etc., at least there is a semblance of racing knowledge in that section. Merge with NYRA(ugh!), get 1 tote platform, move the TV/Internet/studio facilities to Aqueduct to save rent ,hire qualified personnel with educational backgrounds, not someone’s thug 3rd cousin, name the VLT operator , preferably SL Green & intergrate a horse media entertainment center across from Kennedy airport.,with revenue from slots lent to NY breeding fund, expand education , jobs in recreating Ozone Park & further , build a REAL marketing concept around the fans!! Split thoroughbreds & harness on 71 & 73 & have it statewide on the same numbered channels . Bring attractions to the infield so people sit in the stands, its endless how much can be done to save our dying sport!!
March 23rd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
which one is more corrupt, albany or the otb parlors? scumbag criminals.
March 23rd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I have a problem with just giving it to NYRA. What about the other tracks in the state, such as Yonkers? Especially with the shenanigans going on at NYRA. What the state should do is allow OTB to run long enouth until a company representing thoroughbred and standardbred interests can be formed to take over. The tracks should be running the OTBs, it is a natural extension of their business. Then the other OTBs can be rolled into this new corporation.
Let the tracks run the business and give the state and local governments their share. OTB should not be the home for political patronage jobs.