Meadowlands critcally endangered, sulkies could come to Monmouth

[andtheyreoff]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/59917/nj-commission-close-meadowlands-after-2011

Excerpts:

Live racing at the nation’s premier harness track would end under a recommendation from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s panel on the future of casinos and racetracks in the state.

A commission chaired by developer Jon Hanson released a supplemental report Nov. 15 saying there is no way New Jersey can support two state-run tracks. For that reason, it proposes ending live racing at Meadowlands and consolidating it at Monmouth Park.

The proposal would allow a six-day Standardbred meet at Meadowlands next August. Standardbreds would race 30 days at Monmouth in the fall of 2011, and have a 70-day meet there in subsequent years.

__________________________________________________ ________


As an NJ resident, I may be biased, but is running standardbreds at MP the best idea, much less in the fall? Crowds are already practically non-existant for the fall T-bred stand (last Saturday, I counted about 30 people in the seats at post time for the 10th), imagine how low attendance and handle would go at a harness meet. In addition, the surface would need to be changed dramatically to allow for both harness horses and thoroughbreds to compete.

The obvious solution, of course, would be to sell the Meadowlands Racetrack to a private enitity (sp?). If two state run tracks would be too much, then having just 1 run by the state and 1 by a seperate company would be the better solution for NJ racing and harness racing in general (Pardon me if this is not allowed for some reason).

[onefast99]

I posted this over a month ago and some people thought it was pure BS. This story has been around the MP backside for quite a while now. It looks as if the Meadowlands may be used for something else, hopefully a casino!

[The_Knight_Sky]

I posted this over a month ago and some people thought it was pure BS. This story has been around the MP backside for quite a while now. It looks as if the Meadowlands may be used for something else, hopefully a casino!

Did you read the Bloodhorse article linked by the O.P. ?
The same shenanigans from the same old casino allies.

They want to ultimately demolish the racetracks so as early as 2012 so
as a favor to the casinos.
Horse Racing would get phased out in the state with little or nothing in return.
__________________________

I posted the excellent Finley article last week:
What's best for NJ? Christie don't care
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/ho...bill&id=5796039

Most people in New Jersey horse racing circles think it's far more nefarious than that, that he has formed an alliance with Atlantic City in an attempt to put horse racing in the state out of business so the casinos can come in and have the Meadowlands all to themselves.

[onefast99]

Did you read the Bloodhorse article linked by the O.P. ?
The same shenanigans from the same old casino allies.

They want to ultimately demolish the racetracks so as early as 2012 so
as a favor to the casinos.
Horse Racing would get phased out in the state with little or nothing in return.
__________________________

I posted the excellent Finley article last week:
What's best for NJ? Christie don't care
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/ho...bill&id=5796039

Most people in New Jersey horse racing circles think it's far more nefarious than that, that he has formed an alliance with Atlantic City in an attempt to put horse racing in the state out of business so the casinos can come in and have the Meadowlands all to themselves.
It is more evident now that Christi doesn't want horse racing to survive. The best part is that his commission member(s)may have the most to gain if he does decide to do a free-standing casino at the current racetrack site, that is a lot of money that some of these developers will walk away with. The only word I can think of to describe this panel that the Governor assembled is biased.

[The_Knight_Sky]

The best part is that his commission member(s)may have the most to gain if he does decide to do a free-standing casino at the current racetrack site, that is a lot of money that some of these developers will walk away with.




I'm still surprised that the current leadership of the NJSEA are not correcting
the untruths being presented in the media by this commission.

I'm concerned that speaking out on January 1, 2011 may be too late to correct the situation.

_____________________________________

The Star Ledger reports:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/gaming_commission_recommends_m.html

It added the property at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford "is simply too valuable to be occupied by a money losing business."
A spokesman for the governor did not respond to requests for comment.

The head of New Jersey’s harness racing association, however, called the plan "a death sentence" for horse racing in the state.

"It’s completely and utterly a death sentence," said Tom Luchento, president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey. "The harness and thoroughbred and breeding and other industries such as the pleasure horses depend on us. They will go down, too. When the veterinarians and the farmers leave and even the hay people and blacksmiths, they fold up, too, in the state. They will all fold."

[onefast99]

I'm still surprised that the current leadership of the NJSEA are not correcting
the untruths being presented in the media by this commission.

I'm concerned that speaking out on January 1, 2011 may be too late to correct the situation.

_____________________________________

The Star Ledger reports:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/gaming_commission_recommends_m.html

It added the property at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford "is simply too valuable to be occupied by a money losing business."
A spokesman for the governor did not respond to requests for comment.

The head of New Jersey’s harness racing association, however, called the plan "a death sentence" for horse racing in the state.

"It’s completely and utterly a death sentence," said Tom Luchento, president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey. "The harness and thoroughbred and breeding and other industries such as the pleasure horses depend on us. They will go down, too. When the veterinarians and the farmers leave and even the hay people and blacksmiths, they fold up, too, in the state. They will all fold."
The NJSEA will not give up that very valuable piece of property. There has to be a plan worked out to appease all involved. Once the new year comes in look for the NJSEA to comment a lot on this subject.

[The_Knight_Sky]

The NJSEA will not give up that very valuable piece of property.




onefast99 -

What is the relationship between the current members of the NJSEA
and the ex-members like Hanson and Mulcahy?

NJ SBOA president Luchento called it a death sentence.
Hall of Fame driver John Campbell called it "unbelievable".
Not such quotes reported yet from the thoroughbred side.

Things are getting interesting right now.
Too close for comfort.

The commission recommends both tracks be sold.
Who would actually buy The Meadowlands under a "no live racing" condition?

[onefast99]

onefast99 -

What is the relationship between the current members of the NJSEA
and the ex-members like Hanson and Mulcahy?

NJ SBOA president Luchento called it a death sentence.
Hall of Fame driver John Campbell called it "unbelievable".
Not such quotes reported yet from the thoroughbred side.

Things are getting interesting right now.
Too close for comfort.

The commission recommends both tracks be sold.
Who would actually buy The Meadowlands under a "no live racing" condition?
Mulcahy who was the former President of the NJSEA, left that position and became AD at Rutgers, he was foced out of that position and I guess Mr Christi felt he could use him on his advisory panel based on the great job he did at RU with revelations of secret deals with football coach Greg Schiano and the awarding of a no-bid sports marketing contract given out to a company where his son was on the payroll. Hanson once was the chairman of the NJSEA and it seems as if he has a very limited education as far as the horse racing industry goes. As you know the advisory panel is not paid, so therefor they are not bound by the open meeting laws or the open public records act. You can't script this any better!

[owlet]

You guys lament the actions of the State, but what about the fact that neither Meadowlands nor Monthmouth are profitable and can't survive on their own. Christ said so at the beginning of the Mon. meet-THE BUSINESS MODEL IS UNSUSTAINABLE. Blame the governor, blame the casions but he business is UNSUSTINABLE.

Look, you run a steel factory. You can't make money (for whatever reason, competition, changing consumer tastes, etc.). Do you seriously expect someone to hand you money because you "used" to be important? Because you generate jobs?

Get serioius.

[onefast99]

You guys lament the actions of the State, but what about the fact that neither Meadowlands nor Monthmouth are profitable and can't survive on their own. Christ said so at the beginning of the Mon. meet-THE BUSINESS MODEL IS UNSUSTAINABLE. Blame the governor, blame the casions but he business is UNSUSTINABLE.

Look, you run a steel factory. You can't make money (for whatever reason, competition, changing consumer tastes, etc.). Do you seriously expect someone to hand you money because you "used" to be important? Because you generate jobs?

Get serioius.
The NJSEA underperformed as the entity that ran the horse racing industry. The casino industry has been given huge tax breaks as well as gifts from the NJSEA in the form of the new Convention center for one which by the way brings conventions into AC and not one dollar goes back to the NJSEA. The NJSEA owns MP and the Meadowlands, the Meadowlands is one of the most coveted pieces of real estate in the world today. The business model is flawed and no one wants to fix it they just want it to go away. The reality is the industry has deeply planted roots in this state and the people of NJ will not let it disappear while monies from the state government are sent to AC in an attempt to raise it from the dead. Let the NJSEA build out more OTW's and work off the less is better theory for racing dates with decent purses. A casino at the Meadowlands is NJ's best bet.

[The_Knight_Sky]

You guys lament the actions of the State, but what about the fact
that neither Meadowlands nor Monmouth are profitable and can't survive on their own.




I think the truth is severely twisted. I don't think you can have a more successful Elite Summer Meet than they did at Monmouth Park this year.
Sure it was helped by the subsidies for this year but the three day/week format seems to be promising. Monmouth deserves a shot at making it into the black in the near future.

If you look back more than 10 to 15 years ago, both Monmouth and the Meadowlands were very good performers. How good? We'll never really know if the revenues were funneled out of horse racing and into ill-advised projects around the state. The simulcasting business at the Meadowlands has always been terrific and has kept the track afloat in the lean times.

Right now, it's obvious that The Hanson Commission wants to demolish The Meadowlands Racetrack and put up casino(s) in the same location.That doesn't help horse racing if it the Meadowlands casino is fully owned by Atlantic City factions.

It is important to understand that ulterior motives are at play here.
Just about everyone in South Jersey knows that Atlantic City is a lost cause today. They want to move into some highly valued real estate up north at the expense of a major industry in the state.

[DRIVEWAY]

I think the truth is severely twisted. I don't think you can have a more successful Elite Summer Meet than they did at Monmouth Park this year.
Sure it was helped by the subsidies for this year but the three day/week format seems to be promising. Monmouth deserves a shot at making it into the black in the near future.

If you look back more than 10 to 15 years ago, both Monmouth and the Meadowlands were very good performers. How good? We'll never really know if the revenues were funneled out of horse racing and into ill-advised projects around the state. The simulcasting business at the Meadowlands has always been terrific and has kept the track afloat in the lean times.

Right now, it's obvious that The Hanson Commission wants to demolish The Meadowlands Racetrack and put up casino(s) in the same location.That doesn't help horse racing if it the Meadowlands casino is fully owned by Atlantic City factions.

It is important to understand that ulterior motives are at play here.
Just about everyone in South Jersey knows that Atlantic City is a lost cause today. They want to move into some highly valued real estate up north at the expense of a major industry in the state.

Your conclusions are 1000% on the money.

[Hambletonian]

It was nice while it lasted, best standardbred track in the country, the view from the Pegasus was unbelievable, decent racing nearly year round that held it's own...but apparently the doofus you folks elected has decided that he cant live without the AC on all the time.

AC, the corrupt cesspool/sinkhole of the gambliong world, where all the jobs and money coming in and not leaving really did not a whit of good to the surrounding area..a place I visited once, saw a racebook that sucked even by NYC OTB standards, and never wished to revisit.

I love AC Race Course, Monmouth and the Meadowlands are special, and it is all about to be a crying shame for alot of people. You can talk all you want about whether there should be year round racing in every state, but we are not Europe, horses train at the track and not regional farms, and the effect on all aspects of the racetrack community from track workers to breeders is devestating when you end up with just a few months of racing.

Let's face it, the Monmouth meet this year was probably a one off, if they could do that with their own money and not the subsidy that would be one thing, but they can't. How the preeminent harness track on this side of the Atlantic Ocean is not worth saving is beyond me. Moving it to a toxic waste site (maybe appropriate in that it is not exactly a pristine area where it sits right now:), or to share Monmouth Park, it just makes no sense at all.

Great governor you have there, better enjoy live racing while you can folks.

[GatetoWire]

It was nice while it lasted, best standardbred track in the country, the view from the Pegasus was unbelievable, decent racing nearly year round that held it's own...but apparently the doofus you folks elected has decided that he cant live without the AC on all the time.

AC, the corrupt cesspool/sinkhole of the gambliong world, where all the jobs and money coming in and not leaving really did not a whit of good to the surrounding area..a place I visited once, saw a racebook that sucked even by NYC OTB standards, and never wished to revisit.

I love AC Race Course, Monmouth and the Meadowlands are special, and it is all about to be a crying shame for alot of people. You can talk all you want about whether there should be year round racing in every state, but we are not Europe, horses train at the track and not regional farms, and the effect on all aspects of the racetrack community from track workers to breeders is devestating when you end up with just a few months of racing.

Let's face it, the Monmouth meet this year was probably a one off, if they could do that with their own money and not the subsidy that would be one thing, but they can't. How the preeminent harness track on this side of the Atlantic Ocean is not worth saving is beyond me. Moving it to a toxic waste site (maybe appropriate in that it is not exactly a pristine area where it sits right now:), or to share Monmouth Park, it just makes no sense at all.

Great governor you have there, better enjoy live racing while you can folks.

The reason the Meadowlands cannot survive is that there is now way too much competition for the horses they need to run a world class meet.

You cannot have Yonkers, Pocono, Monticello, Chester, Dover and Saratoga Harness all running harness meets fueled by slots and expect the Meadowlands to survive.

The Meadowlands was a great place to bet and watch the races at when they had the best horses.
Once these other tracks started to take away the best horses the handle dipped....leading to lower purses....leading to a little lower class racing....and into the downward spiral.

Monmouth will have the same fate now that there is no purse boost. Who is going to race there when you can race in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York for twice the money?

Slots have just created a welfare state that has allowed these tracks to continue to operate.

Lets be honest do we really need all of these tracks on the East Coast????
I love visiting them but we have too many tracks racing against each other.
None of them are profitable on there own.

It's just sad

This is what you get when you go on welfare (Slots) to survive!!!!!

Imagine how great the racing would be if we had half the tracks we have now. We might generate enough handle to support ourselves instead of taking hand outs from the casino.

[The_Knight_Sky]

How the preeminent harness track on this side of the Atlantic Ocea
is not worth saving is beyond me. Moving it to a toxic waste site
(maybe appropriate in that it is not exactly a pristine area where it
sits right now:), or to share Monmouth Park, it just makes no sense at all.



I wouldn't mind a relocation of the racetrack as long as it is a 1 mile track and it benefits from casino revenues that may start up on the current racetrack property. But that's a looong way off.

Right now the Standard Bred Owners and Breeders Association won't go quietly. On the thoroughbred side it's quiet, but they too may be phased out
if they can't fund the purses to compete at Monmouth Park. Right now time is of the essence.
_______________________________

Press release from the NJSBOA:

Racing is not a money-losing venture, according to Luchento.

“It is not our fault that the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority is losing money,” he explained. “They have had to take on projects at the request of a succession of governors. These were money losers.

“We have been working with our legislators to put together a package of bills that will make it possible for racing to be self-supporting by 2013,” he added. “The Hanson Report ignores these plans and disregards the efforts of the senators and assembly members.

“We hope that Governor Chris Christie will take the time to listen to our ideas and reject the Hanson Report,” Luchento said. “Failing to do so will open up a can of worms, including legal action.”

[alhattab]

This is pretty interesting stuff. If you weren't a racing fan, it would be really interesting. Christie can use this issue to drive a wedge between his Democrat nemises. Sweeney has already come out against the recommendations, yet I'm sure the Atlantic County Dems would support. Christie is supposed to be the apolitical governor but they all have a political streak and this is a pretty safe (i.e., narrow) issue that will get press because of purported public policy implications and will divide the dems.

It isn't clear to me if anyone read the actual report (see Equidaily), but there is mention made there of instant racing and (I'm paraphrasing) a "bridge" to get racing self-funding. It seems to me that there is a lifeline in the proposal to get racing the money it needs for a while before various funding mechanisms like OTWs, instant racing, on-line gaming can be developed.

Now after saying all that, I will remind you that I was completely wrong the last time I made a prediction of sorts on this matter.

[The_Knight_Sky]

Hanson's plan: Horse Manure! http://i54.tinypic.com/2jecz0o.gif
http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/politics/111610_Christie_advisers_horse_racing_plan_an_also-ran_critics_say.html

(Senator Paul) Sarlo accused the Christie administration of “brinksmanship” by releasing word of the Hanson report just hours after a series of measures — including a bill to legalize online poker and direct $30 million of those revenues annually to horse racing purses — had been approved by two state Senate committees in Trenton on Monday.

“It’s irrational and completely irresponsible, and the timing just shows that Christie does not really want to work with this legislature,” Sarlo said. “This is not a game — too many jobs are at stake here.”

Codey, for decades a proponent of the state’s horse racing industry, called Hanson’s plan “horse manure” and said that the state’s unwillingness to add slot machines at racetracks to solve a racing purse shortfall — as surrounding states have done — was a costly error.

“We’re the laughingstock of the region when it comes to gaming,” Codey said.

[onefast99]

Hanson's plan: Horse Manure! http://i54.tinypic.com/2jecz0o.gif
http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/politics/111610_Christie_advisers_horse_racing_plan_an_also-ran_critics_say.html

(Senator Paul) Sarlo accused the Christie administration of “brinksmanship” by releasing word of the Hanson report just hours after a series of measures — including a bill to legalize online poker and direct $30 million of those revenues annually to horse racing purses — had been approved by two state Senate committees in Trenton on Monday.

“It’s irrational and completely irresponsible, and the timing just shows that Christie does not really want to work with this legislature,” Sarlo said. “This is not a game — too many jobs are at stake here.”

Codey, for decades a proponent of the state’s horse racing industry, called Hanson’s plan “horse manure” and said that the state’s unwillingness to add slot machines at racetracks to solve a racing purse shortfall — as surrounding states have done — was a costly error.

“We’re the laughingstock of the region when it comes to gaming,” Codey said.
Well it looks like Mr Jon hanson is being called out by some of the horseman in NJ, it is evident he wants nothing less than to develop the existing Meadowlands site!
“We feel we are being blindsided. Jon Hanson is a real estate developer, which seems to be his only concern, developing the property on which the Meadowlands sits. The plan he issued in July did not pass muster with the legislators and the public. The people of New Jersey support racing and gaming. Instead of finding ways to cut us out, the state should be making it more attractive for us to stay. Some of our major breeding farms are already making plans to move their stallions to states that have purse money fueled by slots.”

[The_Knight_Sky]

onefast99 -

I'm not holding out hope that the current NJSEA is going to set the record straight at all, before or after January 1st. It is up to both the standarbred and thoroughbred breeds to set the record straight with the public.

________________________________________

NJ Officials Slam Report, Threaten Litigation - By Tom LaMarra
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/59939/nj-officials-slam-report-threaten-litigation?source=rss

Under the statute, operation of New Jersey’s off-track betting and advance deposit wagering system are tied to live racing dates. Forbes said litigation is an option as is horsemen exercising their rights under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 to halt export of the New Jersey racing signal; if that were to occur, horsemen in other states could block signals from entering New Jersey, he said.

“No one in the Thoroughbred industry wants any of this to happen,” Forbes said. “In fact, we are saddened by the lack of commitment to our long-term viability shown by the appointees of the executive branch (of New Jersey government).”

Luchento said horse racing in New Jersey doesn’t lose money.

[onefast99]

onefast99 -

I'm not holding out hope that the current NJSEA is going to set the record straight at all, before or after January 1st. It is up to both the standarbred and thoroughbred breeds to set the record straight with the public.

________________________________________

NJ Officials Slam Report, Threaten Litigation - By Tom LaMarra
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/59939/nj-officials-slam-report-threaten-litigation?source=rss

Under the statute, operation of New Jersey’s off-track betting and advance deposit wagering system are tied to live racing dates. Forbes said litigation is an option as is horsemen exercising their rights under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 to halt export of the New Jersey racing signal; if that were to occur, horsemen in other states could block signals from entering New Jersey, he said.

“No one in the Thoroughbred industry wants any of this to happen,” Forbes said. “In fact, we are saddened by the lack of commitment to our long-term viability shown by the appointees of the executive branch (of New Jersey government).”

Luchento said horse racing in New Jersey doesn’t lose money.
There will be racing in NJ don't worry about that we need to worry about the possibility of abuse of power by the advisory panel and their real motives!

[The_Knight_Sky]

There will be racing in NJ don't worry about that we need to worry about
the possibility of abuse of power by the advisory panel and their real motives



Exactly.
The real motives are not usually mentioned in many of these articles,
in racing publications nor in mainstream media.

The reporters should be asking why is it that Mr. Hanson is desperate
to relocate The Meadowlands (summer) and now wants to consolidate Harness racing to Monmouth Park (autumn)?

The Meadowlands Racetrack property isn't the best place for building condos,
so what could possibly be up Mr. Hanson's sleeve? Just wondering? ;)

The reporters need to be blunt in asking and reporting the answers.
Except for Mr. Finley I'm not seeing that on a regular basis.

[Mike_412]

For those curious, the Senate will be voting on a bunch of the bills aimed at helping the industry next Monday. The exchange wagering bill is included on the voting list. It has already passed the Assembly by a vote of 78-0.

[point given]

New Jersey Assemblyman responds:

Considering Gov. Chris Christie cut $820 million in aid to New Jersey schools this year, Xanadu is on life support and the Nets have fled the Izod Center, a racino is just what the Meadowlands needs to breathe new life into North Jersey and our overall economy.

The Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce recently reached out, claiming proposals would come in from all over the world if the state were to pursue building a casino/hotel/convention center facility to support the existing racetrack

http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/11/new_jersey_assemblyman_suggest.html

[onefast99]

New Jersey Assemblyman responds:

Considering Gov. Chris Christie cut $820 million in aid to New Jersey schools this year, Xanadu is on life support and the Nets have fled the Izod Center, a racino is just what the Meadowlands needs to breathe new life into North Jersey and our overall economy.

The Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce recently reached out, claiming proposals would come in from all over the world if the state were to pursue building a casino/hotel/convention center facility to support the existing racetrack

http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/11/new_jersey_assemblyman_suggest.html
Donald Trump has already been asked for his input. Once the gag order on the NJSEA has run out there will be several very "interesting" plans put forth to the Governor and his inept advisory panel. Mr Hanson will be getting schooled in how not to mix business with someone elses livliehood. Look for some finger-pointing and lawsuits in the upcoming months.

[Canarsie]

Till this day I still don't understand how Al Leiter could be on the panel :bang:

The guy has been comped his whole life probably :ThmbDown:

[onefast99]

...Xanadu is on life support and the Nets have fled the Izod Center.

At one of the gaming summits there was mention that Governor Christi wants the present color scheme used on Xanadu changed(that seems like a top priority). There is also a lot of talk that several very prominent individuals are in line to be the new 1st lien holder on Xanadu. Governor Christi appointed Jon Hanson to find the new investor...
Hanson said he would not discuss the negotiations. But he added of Xanadu's much-maligned multicolored exterior, "It's been an eyesore for five years, but if done properly, there will be a sense of pride in the project that will be there a long time."

Everything about this advisory board stinks.

[The_Knight_Sky]

ha ha. Assemblyman Caputo minces no words. :ThmbUp: Love this:

In Atlantic City, Resorts was sold at a fire sale price; the Hilton is under receivership; Donald Trump wants to sell all three of his properties; the land in front of the old Sands casino is for sale at roughly 70 percent of what it is worth; and the planned Revel casino is struggling for financing after Morgan Stanley pulled out its investment.

Meanwhile, Harrah Entertainment has been part of a vocal bloc of casinos opposed to creating any more gaming competition in New Jersey. But herein lies the rub.

It was recently announced that Harrah Entertainment wants to become a partner and take on a management role in the development of a $438 million gaming hall in Philadelphia, with 1,500 slots, more than 70 table games and several restaurants.

What does this mean? Harrah's is a hypocrite, plain and simple.

http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/11/new_jersey_assemblyman_suggest.html

[onefast99]

ha ha. Assemblyman Caputo minces no words. :ThmbUp: Love this:

In Atlantic City, Resorts was sold at a fire sale price; the Hilton is under receivership; Donald Trump wants to sell all three of his properties; the land in front of the old Sands casino is for sale at roughly 70 percent of what it is worth; and the planned Revel casino is struggling for financing after Morgan Stanley pulled out its investment.

Meanwhile, Harrah Entertainment has been part of a vocal bloc of casinos opposed to creating any more gaming competition in New Jersey. But herein lies the rub.

It was recently announced that Harrah Entertainment wants to become a partner and take on a management role in the development of a $438 million gaming hall in Philadelphia, with 1,500 slots, more than 70 table games and several restaurants.

What does this mean? Harrah's is a hypocrite, plain and simple.

http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/11/new_jersey_assemblyman_suggest.html
The proposed Philly casino by Foxwoods would allow Harrahs a monority ownership and management role only. The project may not begin until late December 2012. Just the thought of this casino should get the Christi gaming panel to wake up and take the necessary steps to get a full casino in at the Meadowlands as fast as possible.

[Vinman]

The proposed Philly casino by Foxwoods would allow Harrahs a monority ownership and management role only. The project may not begin until late December 2012. Just the thought of this casino should get the Christi gaming panel to wake up and take the necessary steps to get a full casino in at the Meadowlands as fast as possible.

Maybe it will happen sooner, like when Genting launches those 4,500 slot machines at their new Aqueduct pleasure dome by next summer.

I've said this before.....in 2014, the Meadowlands is hosting the Super Bowl. How insane is it that there will NOT be a casino in place at the Meadowlands by then, nor will Xanadu be "presentable".

Governor Christie, prove me wrong. Steve Wynn is just a phone call away.

Vinman

[point given]

The proposed Philly casino by Foxwoods would allow Harrahs a monority ownership and management role only. The project may not begin until late December 2012. Just the thought of this casino should get the Christi gaming panel to wake up and take the necessary steps to get a full casino in at the Meadowlands as fast as possible.

I think you are right. They don't want a racino and share the money with racing, they want a freestanding casino and shift all racing to Monmouth, as they have proposed. They just haven't seen the light that the casino now must come to the people instead of going to a destination, its becoming decentralized so to speak. Its too bad they don't see the advantages of keeping the track going as they did at Pompano Park in Florida which simply built a separate gaming building next to the track and a nice one at that.

[GARY Z]

As crazy as this may sound, why not run the winter harness meet
in New York?

Perhaps there could be a division contest bewteen NY and NJ breds
similar to the American and National league (Yankees/Mets(Dodgers)
and/or Giants vs Jets who now play in New Jersey despite retaining
their NY names and identitites.

With the introduction of a racino at Aqu , Harness racing could be held
at night, or if Yonkers protestested we could get the dream
I've been banging the drum for...Big A runs its thoroughbred meet at night :jump: ,harness runs during the day.


This would allow the construction of a new shopping center/mall/
hotel to be placed at the Med site, which will be a guaranteed failure
and make all opponents get their final revenge.


Better yet, once the table games get approved in NY, AC will
be short for all crapped out...

[Stevie Belmont]

Gov. Chris Christie is a complete and total disgrace for what he is doing to the NJ racing industry. It's beyond sad, it's despicable. I talk to employees and horseman there, and they are in limbo. Total devastation.

That's a leader? A destroyer of a culture and an industry. Have you no shame for what you are doing?

[Stillriledup]

You guys lament the actions of the State, but what about the fact that neither Meadowlands nor Monthmouth are profitable and can't survive on their own. Christ said so at the beginning of the Mon. meet-THE BUSINESS MODEL IS UNSUSTAINABLE. Blame the governor, blame the casions but he business is UNSUSTINABLE.

Look, you run a steel factory. You can't make money (for whatever reason, competition, changing consumer tastes, etc.). Do you seriously expect someone to hand you money because you "used" to be important? Because you generate jobs?

Get serioius.

Meadowlands can survive and profit if they didnt have their profits all funneled to the arena and stadium. For years the track was a cash cow and all their money went to other stuff (instead of going into a kitty for a rainy day)

[Stevie Belmont]

Horseman need to fight until the ultimate end.

That place could be a gold mine. Millions of dollars a day could be generated there and the the horses can keep going.

It would be a tremendous place with the right people making the calls and the VLT's.

[onefast99]

Meadowlands can survive and profit if they didnt have their profits all funneled to the arena and stadium. For years the track was a cash cow and all their money went to other stuff (instead of going into a kitty for a rainy day)
It seems as if the NJSEA forgot about the 35m in debt service a year and over 266m owed from the bonds by the NJ taxpayers for the old Giants stadium. Why wasn't it a part of the deal for the new stadium that any psl's would go to pay off the debt service from the old stadium first? Instead the owners of these two teams get another revenue stream that would have helped reduce this debt for NJ. And now Christi wants to take one of the last assets the NJSEA owns and turn it over to his board member for development? Something smells here, real bad.

[The_Knight_Sky]

Meadowlands can survive and profit if they didnt have their profits
all funneled to the arena and stadium. For years the track was a cash cow
and all their money went to other stuff
(instead of going into a kitty for a rainy day)

Someone's been cooking the books. And it ain't Paula Deen. For example how can Mr. Hanson come out this week and state that Monmouth Park lost $6 million this year. The autumn meet is still underway.

If there was a legitimate number it should come directly from Monmouth officials. To have an anti-horse racing commission member tell that to the media, well it has to be taken with several grains of salt.

http://i55.tinypic.com/k3b08w.jpg (http://theknightskyracing.blogspot.com/2010/11/luchento-playing-role-of-savior-for-nj.html)

full post:
http://theknightskyracing.blogspot.com/2010/11/luchento-playing-role-of-savior-for-nj.html

[Mike_412]

All racing associated bills were passed in the Senate earlier. The exchange wagering bill passed by a vote of 34-1 after passing in the Assembly 78-0. As a player, I find exchanges both fascinating and exciting. I truly hope they help racing begin to move in the right direction. If you're curious about any of the bills and their text, you can click on the following link to see what was being voted on today.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/BillsForAgendaView.asp

[point given]

An informal poll conducted by the Hall Institute the week of Nov. 15 showed more than half would support installing slot machines at Meadowlands in New Jersey.

The Hall Institute of Public Policy describes itself as a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation that explores social, economic, educational, and cultural issues. It has authored more than 400 papers on various topics since it was formed in 2005 ..........................................



http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/60028/poll-shows-support-for-slots-at-meadowlands

[onefast99]

An informal poll conducted by the Hall Institute the week of Nov. 15 showed more than half would support installing slot machines at Meadowlands in New Jersey.

The Hall Institute of Public Policy describes itself as a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation that explores social, economic, educational, and cultural issues. It has authored more than 400 papers on various topics since it was formed in 2005 ..........................................



http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/60028/poll-shows-support-for-slots-at-meadowlands
The institute was founded by George Hall who is a thoroughbred owner and breeder, the politicians will say it is a biased poll.

[The_Knight_Sky]

NY state strikes deal with tribe on casino land
By Edith Honan – Mon Nov 22, 4:45 pm ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101122/us_nm/us_newyork_casino?bouchon=501,ny

NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York state agreed on Monday to give a swathe of land to a Wisconsin Native American tribe, which has plans for a major casino and resort complex near New York City.

The Stockbridge-Munsee tribe will give up their decades-long claim to 23,000-acres of land in New York and receive 330-acres of land 90 miles northwest of New York City.

But the deal now needs approval from the federal Department of Interior and faces opposition from environmental groups.

"This compact is a significant step toward revitalizing the economy of Sullivan County by building on its legacy as a tourist destination," New York Governor David Paterson said in a statement.

If approved, the 584,000-square-foot casino in the area known as the Catskills would compete with New Jersey's Atlantic City, two American Indian casinos in Connecticut and other, smaller gaming facilities in New York state.

_______________

The heat gets turned up a few degrees on the Atlantic City Casinos now. ;)

[thespaah]

NY state strikes deal with tribe on casino land
By Edith Honan – Mon Nov 22, 4:45 pm ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101122/us_nm/us_newyork_casino?bouchon=501,ny

NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York state agreed on Monday to give a swathe of land to a Wisconsin Native American tribe, which has plans for a major casino and resort complex near New York City.

The Stockbridge-Munsee tribe will give up their decades-long claim to 23,000-acres of land in New York and receive 330-acres of land 90 miles northwest of New York City.

But the deal now needs approval from the federal Department of Interior and faces opposition from environmental groups.

"This compact is a significant step toward revitalizing the economy of Sullivan County by building on its legacy as a tourist destination," New York Governor David Paterson said in a statement.

If approved, the 584,000-square-foot casino in the area known as the Catskills would compete with New Jersey's Atlantic City, two American Indian casinos in Connecticut and other, smaller gaming facilities in New York state.

_______________

The heat gets turned up a few degrees on the Atlantic City Casinos now. ;)As far as back in the early 80's there were billboards all over Southeastern NY State that said very simply....."Casinos mean Jobs"...
These signs were in part prophetic as resort owners in the Catskills knew their demographic was disappearing. The owners saw casino gaming as a way to revitalize their dying properties. Unfortunately for most, it's too late. Many of the old Catskill Resorts sit as empty hulks. Golf courses overgrown, buildings looted and vandalized. Property values of ZERO.
Anyway, this news is no doubt disturbing to AC casino interests. AC is losing clientele to gaming facilities in CT and now PA. IMO, PA is the death knell for Atlantic City. AC has lost their players from Delaware, Maryland and eastern PA. Now with a casino at the front doors of 20 million people, for them there is no reason to go to Atlantic City. A quick hop up the Thruway to NY 17 and you're gambling in a nice setting without the crime, bums and filth of AC.
A casino at the Meadowlands Sports Cmplex would be a license to print money. Imagine a full gaming facility in the midst of the largest metropolitan area in North America.
Time for Trenton to tell the AC interests to go piss up a tree.
No matter how loud the South Jersey pro AC people scream about a casino in the Meadowlands, there is no stopping the draining off of business in AC.

[Mike_412]

I made a mistake in an earlier post stating that the exchange wagering bill had passed 3 weeks ago. I had missed the part where there were Senate amendments. The Assembly just passed the amended bill 74-1 and it has now passed both houses. I believe there were some other horse racing related bills being voted on in the Assembly today, but I haven't had the chance to check. Should be interesting moving forward.