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Post by trackrat on Dec 24, 2011 22:10:13 GMT -5
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of our board members. For some reason, every time I log onto the board the last few days, my eyes hurt! Anyone else have the same experience (lol)?
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Post by jimhorseman on Dec 26, 2011 15:23:28 GMT -5
Best wishes to Mr and Mrs Trackrat and all other board members. Perhaps we can re-ignite the board if slots, better purses and more competitive racing return in 2012.
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Post by trackrat on Dec 26, 2011 17:19:59 GMT -5
It does not look promising for slots in 2012. A citizens group has filed suit against the governor, alleging that he does not have the authority to authorize video slots in the racetracks. The lawsuit makes sense to me because the four casinos that were approved were done by a VOTED change in the state constitution that would allow gaming in ONLY four casinos.
In the summer, Northfield will forego Saturday live racing to simulcast the Triple Crown races.
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Post by darkside07 on Dec 27, 2011 12:39:02 GMT -5
From US Trotting Association News
Confident of a favorable ruling, MTR Gaming applies for Ohio VLTs
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - from MTR Gaming Group, Inc.
Chester, WV --- MTR Gaming Group, Inc. has announced that it has officially submitted its application with the Ohio Lottery Commission for a license to operate video lottery terminals (VLTs) at its Scioto Downs racetrack in Columbus, Ohio.
The filing is the next step in MTR Gaming’s development of the Scioto Downs project and establishing a true beneficial impact to the Columbus, Ohio area. With the addition of VLTs to Scioto Downs, MTR Gaming will be providing a popular entertainment alternative as well as creating significant job opportunities and economic growth.
Upon reviewing the Ohio Attorney General’s response to the lawsuit filed against several Ohio governmental bodies, which seeks to prevent the casinos and VLT operators from proceeding, the company is very comfortable continuing the process of building and opening its new gaming facility at Scioto Downs. The Company continues to believe the facility will open in the second quarter of 2012.
According to Ohio Attorney General Michael DeWine, the plaintiffs for the current lawsuit against the casinos and VLT operators have, “Not established any direct interest or injury sufficient to establish standing, so this lawsuit should be dismissed in its entirety.”
Additionally, DeWine’s motion to dismiss provides that the plaintiffs’ complaint must be dismissed, “Because the video lottery claims misstate Ohio law and fail to state a claim upon which relief may be granted… not only do plaintiffs lack standing to bring this action, but their claims are simply not ripe for judicial review. Moreover, plaintiffs have failed to sufficiently state a claim for which relief can be granted.”
“Based on our review of the matter and the Attorney General’s independent evaluation as set forth in the motions to dismiss, we are confident that the current lawsuit filed in Ohio to prevent the casinos and VLTs from proceeding is meritless, and as such, we have started the process of obtaining our gaming license with the state,” Jeffrey J. Dahl, president and chief executive officer of MTR Gaming Group, Inc., said “We look forward to receiving our license -- which we expect to be issued within a reasonable time frame -- and developing the Scioto Downs VLT facility, which we believe will drive significant long term stockholder value and create hundreds of jobs in the Columbus area.”
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Post by trackrat on Dec 27, 2011 15:20:57 GMT -5
Notwithstanding MTR's enthusiasm about VLTs and its optimism that the lawsuit will be denied, I'll believe it when I see it. At that time, The Trackrat will become The Believer (lol).
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