THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN

18 May 2007

Pennsylvania horse race tracks told the Gaming Control Board that the success of legalised slots machine gaming is already paying big dividends toward reinvigorating the Commonwealth's horse racing industry

Slot parlours in Pennsylvania and New York may be bad news for Atlantic City (see story above) but the horse racing business is enthusiastic about the benefits of the machines to its sector.

Appearing before the Gaming Control Board at its regular meeting this week, representatives of state horse race tracks said the new money created by slots gaming has significantly increased purses resulting in attraction of better horses, boosted attendance at simulcast facilities located at the tracks, and spurred plans for improvement of patron amenities.

In addition, slot gaming revenues are leading to plans for significant improvements to the backstretch area of the tracks including stables and dormitory facilities.

The four facilities that opened since Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs saw the first slot machine begin public play in November 2006 have accepted more than $3.5 billion in wagers resulting in a return to date of more than $39 million to the horse racing industry.

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