T-U: DelNorth has Aqueduct VLT bid edge..
 

Odato in yesterday's Times-Union:

Word among gaming representatives is that Gov. David Paterson is leaning sharply toward granting the Aqueduct VLT rights to a group led by Delaware North of Buffalo, which bid more than $370 million. An upcoming speech by the governor in Buffalo could reveal his plans for the Queens track.

Delaware North would be a great partner in the project and is someone NYRA can work well with... Another positive as momentum continues to steadily build around all things racing in NY..

FULL: http://timesunion.com/AspStories/sto...storyID=720632

Also includes encouraging update on movement towards comprehensive approach on backstretch condition project..

Why do you think Delaware North would be a "great partner" for NYRA? If Finger Lakes and Saratoga Harness are any indication, aside from the mandatory purse increases from VLT revenues and some limited backside renovations, they have done little to enhance the presentation of racing at either of these venues. And they have certainly done next to nothing for the racing/simulcast player, as opposed to the slots players.

They won't have anything to do with the racing product. It's a vendor to run the slots parlor... DelNorth has displayed the ability to do that quite nicely.

But as to being a good fit, they've had pleasant discussions with NYRA that indicate the relationship would be amicable, and that was a major concern given the other parties involved. Actually, with a corporate HQ in Buffalo, someone other than DNC getting the nod would have been, or will be, a surprise.

Del. North would do just fine I think.

I do think that there could create some good synergies on the racing side between Finger Lakes and NYRA.

I understand how, to date, there has been little cross-over play between the racing and slots bettors. I don't know if it's a function of the customers being so different that it will never happen, or if it's a function of the fact that the slots vendors (and Delaware North is particularly guilty on this score, since it does operate racing at Finger Lakes and Saratoga Harness) do practically nothing to promote the racing product. It's probably a function of both. I had hoped that, for once, particularly given the quality of NYRA's product, that racing could be given a more prominent role.

Whether Delaware North is an effective slots operator, or simply the beneficiary of preferable locales for its operations at Finger Lakes and Saratoga Harness (as opposed to locations like Yonkers and Vernon that have competition very close by), I guess time will tell.

do you really think any partner gives a fcuk about racing? Question Steve, a 15k a day handle horse player or a 1000.00 once a week slot Nanny who is getting the free BUFFET?

Trick question? The one that the NYS Racing and Wagering Board allows the buffet... the Nanny.

Since the NYSRWB gives nearly no room for NYRA to treat its' players properly, and threatens them menacingly if they try, what exactly is the recourse?

relocate to CT? Hartford Park?

FTFY..

Senate leader Skelos is newest Aqueduct VLT roadblock... Amazing.

http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/47489.htm

New York Gov. David Paterson has selected Delaware North to run a new, sprawling video lottery terminal casino at Aqueduct, sources at the state capital said Oct. 10. But the Senate balked at his choice.

The selection of Delaware North was put on hold when the Republican-led Senate raised questions about the proposal. By law, Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos have to unanimously approve the casino operator.

Is Skelos insane ? Shocking .

That would be my dream come true. . .

Update:



http://www.buffalonews.com/145/story/471593.html

DelNorth will do a fine job running the slot parlor, but don't expect it to suddenly look like the Bellagio. Their other spots are pretty spartan gambling facilities.

Hopefully the slot players lose their money in peace, get bored of watching a phony electronic spinning reel, and decide betting their grandson's birthday on the races is more enjoyable.

It's about freakin' time. Now the hacks will have to be really creative to screw this up. Maybe some environmental study.............:rolleyes: