Posts Tagged ‘Margaret Markey’

New York, NY – January 15, 2010 – Yesterday afternoon the office of Assemblywoman Margaret Markey issued a news release commenting on the plan to reinvent NYC OTB.  There are several important issues of fact that must be clarified as we move forward in a productive dialogue on the issue of NYC OTB’s future:
 
1.      NYC OTB does not propose introducing any “video gaming” machines as the Assemblywoman states.  This term is typically reserved for video lottery terminals or other machines. We propose only technology that would allow wagering on horse races as you would be permitted to do at an OTB location.
 
2.      The NYC OTB plan does not represent a “1200 percent increase in gambling outlets” as stated in the Assemblywoman’s release.  New York City currently has over 6,500 licensed lottery vendors in a wide variety of outlets including grocery stores.  A 1,200 percent increase would mean the introduction of 78,000 outlets.  In fact, NYC OTB proposes to close over 60 percent of its storefronts and replace those wagering opportunities with kiosks in 1,300 locations that would allow wagering on horse races.  Similar kiosks have been in use for some time throughout the state by Capital OTB, Suffolk OTB and Nassau OTB, in communities near to Assemblywoman Markey’s district. 

Although we are in engaged in ongoing discussions with the legislature and stakeholders on this issue, there is no dispute that it is imperative that these kiosks be located in facilities where the laws and age restrictions on wagering can be enforced.
 
3.      NYC OTB did not merge with any other OTB in 2007 as stated in the release.  The state and the governor took over control of NYC OTB from the city and mayor.
 
Within two months, NYC OTB will close its doors, hundreds of New Yorkers will lose their jobs and taxpayers will be saddled with $600 million in obligations unless the legislature takes ameliorative action swiftly and decisively. NYC OTB has proposed a plan that will transform the business into an economic engine without a single taxpayer dollar.  We look forward to continuing a productive dialogue with Assemblywoman Markey and her colleagues in the legislature.