As the new 0 million del Lago Resort & Casino prepares to open in Seneca County, New York in early 2017, the Finger Lakes Horsemen Benevolent Protective Association has launched a media campaign urging Governor Andrew Cuomo and state legislators to provide purse protection for the racetrack. The track depends on video lottery terminal revenue, which could be reduced by up to 40 percent after the del Lago casino opens.
David Brown, president of the Finger Lakes HBPA, said, “The new del Lago casino is supposed to help revive the upstate economy, not put 1,200 hardworking men and women out of work. We aren’t looking for anything different than every other track impacted by a new casino got. There is time to fix it before it’s too late.” The group wants purse protection to ensure at least 126 racing days in 2016, Brown said. He noted a 2015 study indicated the racetrack has an annual economic impact of $183 million.
Horse breeders also are worried about del Lago’s impact. Jeffrey Cannizzo, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, said, “The situation is disingenuous and very David versus Goliath. Two enormous casino corporations whose own bottom lines are protected will be putting thousands of New York state residents and families’ lives on the line while crushing agribusiness in the state.” Current law requires the new casino to support racing purses at Tioga Downs, located more than 120 miles away; Finger Lakes Racetrack is less than 30 miles del Lago.
Del Lago Resort & Casino spokesman Steve Greenberg, in response to the media campaign, said, “Del Lago has always played by the rules established by the governor, legislature and gaming commission. We continue to play by the rules, which were established more than two years ago. We are confident that the multi-million-dollar tax break Delaware North recently received from New York state will allow FLGR—which has made tens of millions of dollars existing as a virtual monopoly over the last couple of decades—to fairly and adequately compensate the horsemen that race at its facility.”
Located off exit 41 of the New York State Thruway, the del Lago will offer a casino and entertainment venues opening February 2017, and a spa and hotel set to open July 2017.
