CRIST: Sets the NY facts straight

[Linny]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

The goal of " racinos " is to not let their patrons even know there is racing going on, of this there is no doubt, and it is seemingly true everywhere but probably nowhere worse than NY State. I am not saying you said this, but be absolutely clear that this is in NO way NYRA's fault, and strictly the fault of the STATE and, specifically, the NY State Lottery. This is another example of State regulation acting in a manner contrary to both racing's best interests as well as NYRA's.

Some of the blame for situations like this lay in the hands of your employer, an OTB in the State of NY, that has a proven track record of working in opposition to both the racing fan in NY State and NYRA. It is OTB that forced the recent increase in takeout, as NYRA was forced to allow this in order to implement their rebate program, and this was the compromise they had to make with NY State legislature due to interference from the NY State OTBs. This is the same OTB structure that not only allowed the Pick-6 scandal to occur but also encouraged the payment of the participants. But, of course, it is NYRA that is " scandal plagued ".

I do blame the way the VLT's are set up for the lack of promotion of RACING at RACETRACKS.

I cannot speak to issues of OTB's and their political decisions. I am so low on the employment food chain that it's fair to say that I have absolutely NOTHING to do with decision making.