by Paul Post

New York Governor David Paterson has said that he would tackle racing and gaming questions once he passes a state budget by the April 1 deadline, and while the status of the franchise to operate Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course is likely secure with the New York Racing Association, questions remain as to where gaming will expand and who will be the gaming operators.

Proposed budgets from both Paterson’s office and the state Senate call for gaming at both Aqueduct and Belmont, but the Assembly budget wants video lottery terminals restricted to Aqueduct only.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-New York City) picked up an endorsement for his plan when United States Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) said during a Tuesday visit to Saratoga Springs that he is opposed to casino-style gaming in urban centers.

Schumer, a Brooklyn native, said that he prefers gaming be located at vacation destinations such as in the Catskill mountains or near Niagara Falls. Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno (R-Brunswick), whose district includes Saratoga, said that New York racing needs gaming to compete with neighboring states.

Aqueduct has long had legislative approval to operate 4,500 video lottery terminals—the revenue from which NYRA views as an essential component to operating its racing franchise profitably.

In fall 2007, six organizations submitted bids seeking the Aqueduct gaming contract, but it is unclear how many are still interested or under consideration. A spokesman for Paterson said that negotiations are under way.

Paul Post is a New York correspondent of Thoroughbred Times