NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A1899
SPONSOR: Hooper TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the tax law and the racing, pari-mutu-
el wagering and breeding law, in relation to authorizing the division of
the lottery to conduct the operation of video lottery wagering at
regional off-track betting facilities
PURPOSE: This bill would authorize the Lottery Division to license
Nassau Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation as a video lottery vendor
for the purpose of developing a video lottery facility at its current
tele-theatre facility.
JUSTIFICATION: Privately owned racetracks are authorized by state law
to act as video lottery vendors and they generate enormous profit from
such activity for their private shareholders. This bill would establish
a pilot program at Nassau Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation that
would permit the establishment of a video lottery facility at the corpo-
ration's tele-theatre. As the off-track betting corporation is a public
benefit entity, the profits from the facility operation would flow to
local and state government and be dedicated for the support of state
education, Nassau Community College, and New York State's important
upstate agricultural industry by support of the racing industry.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2011-2012 - A9270 2009-2010 - A9021A
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Would increase revenues in support of state
education, Meal government, Nassau Community college; the New York State
Thoroughbred Breeding Fund, the New York State Agriculture and Horse
Breeding Fund, and increase prize purses for Belmont, Aqueduct, Sarato-
ga, Finger Lakes, Yonkers, Monticello, and Vernon Racetracks.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
