Machines would be located in all five boroughs
The New York Racing Association has proposed a plan to place self-betting machines at bars and restaurants throughout Manhattan, according to the Daily Racing Form.
Anthony Bonomo of NYRA’s Reorganization Board said he and NYRA President and CEO Chris Kay have met with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio about the plan. They hope to submit a complete proposal by September that would allow customers who are members of the NYRA rewards program to wager on machines in city establishments. Bonomo said NYRA would attempt to target 50 establishments in the five boroughs.
“We’ve had a couple of meetings with the city, the mayor’s office, and the mayor himself to discuss the strategy,” Bonomo told DRF. “We’re very far down the line, I think, to getting the approval to go forward with this. It’s good for racing, it’s good for the bar owners because they’re looking for things to attract people into their establishments. It will be very controlled under the auspices of the mayor’s office.”
A larger plan may also include recommendations to consolidate NYRA’s two downstate tracks, Aqueduct and Belmont Park. According to the Blood Horse, Kay has not specifically proposed selling either of the tracks. He did say NYRA will “analyze plans for the development of either Belmont or Aqueduct properties.”
But Michael Dubb, co-chairman of the association’s Long-Term Planning Committee, said, “There’s no economics operating two racetracks eight miles apart.” He said Belmont is the better bet for continued racing on a year-round basis. Dubb said Aqueduct’s “highest value is probably to Genting for future development.” Genting operates the Resorts World racino at Aqueduct in Queens.
