Gambling news from http://albany.bizjournals.com/
The operators of the largest thoroughbred operation in Canada, Woodbine Entertainment Group, has joined in Empire Racing Associates' bid to take over the racing franchise currently held by the New York Racing Association.
The Woodbine Entertainment Group runs the Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and the Mohawk Racetrack in southern Ontario. The Woodbine Racetrack is one of North America's most successful operations.
"We're delighted to assist Empire Racing as they develop their plan for the future of New York racing," David Willmot, chairman and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group, said in a statement released by Empire Racing Associates.
In addition to the two tracks, Woodbine also operates an off-track betting system, a 24-hour horse-racing network and an extensive Internet and wireless betting system. Empire Racing Associates' spokesman Glen Mathes said Thursday that Woodbine brings knowledge of wagering platforms that will be valuable as the group pursues the NYRA franchise.
Empire Racing Associates has offices in Saratoga Springs and New York City. It is backed by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and is trying to position itself as the strongest New York bidder for the franchise now held by NYRA.
Sixteen potential bidders have told New York state they may be interested in pursuing the franchise to run the thoroughbred tracks at Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct. The franchise holder will also operate a video lottery terminal gambling hall at Aqueduct, which NYRA has been unable so far to get off the ground.
Bids are due by mid-August. Most experts expect a third to a half of the groups that have expressed interest in the NYRA franchise to actually submit bids under the state's request for proposals for the horse-racing franchise.
NYRA said it will also be a bidder. Its franchise runs out at the end of 2007.
The Woodbine Entertainment Group also operates VLTs at the Woodbine and Mohawk race tracks. It is also beginning a 115-acre entertainment and retail development called Woodbine Live! that will feature bars, restaurants, shops, cinemas and a hotel.
"They have integrated new gaming at their tracks while offering a world class racing experience and, most importantly, they are successful and growing," Empire Racing Associates' Chairman Jeffrey Tucker said.
Empire Racing Associates announced earlier that Delaware North Cos. of Buffalo would also be part of its bid. Delaware North operates entertainment, gaming, resort and sports properties.
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