Saturday, March 13, 1999
Turfway doesn't push casino
New owners' plan relieves lawmakers
BY JANE PRENDERGAST
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FRANKFORT — Turfway Park's new owners eased some legislators' fears Friday by unveiling a 10-point plan for the track that did not include any mention of casino gambling.
But at the same time that representatives of Harrah's, Gtechand Keeneland highlighted their marketing goals, research studies and track improvements, they also admitted that they will — if the General Assembly legalizes it — try to put alternative forms of gambling at the Florence track, although not full-fledged casino gambling, as some legislators have feared.
Those were words outspoken critic Sen. Tim Shaughnessy, D-Louisville, waited to hear. He had asked at a previous meeting of the legislature's Licensing and Occupa tions Committee that the new Turfway partners swear that they would not bring in video lottery terminals. They would not make the promise.
At the meeting Friday, Keeneland President and CEO Bill Greely clarified the partnership's two overall goals: to conduct high-quality racing and simulcasting at Turfway, and to offer alternative gaming at Turfway if it is ever approved by the General Assembly.
Mr. Shaughnessy called that a departure from his previous impression of the part nership's goals.
“I'm just afraid, Mr. Chairman, what we're going to be told next month,” he said. “But we won't be here next month because the racing commission's set to approve this on Tuesday.”
The racing commission meets Tuesday at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. It has investigated each of the three partners and is expected to approve them, paving the way for the $37 million sale. Harrah's runs casinos around the world. Gtech provides on-line lottery games. Keene land will be an equal partner with the other companies and manage the Florence track.
Mr. Greely said the deal will not change anything at his Keeneland track in Lexington.
Among the new partnership's 10 plans for Turfway:
• Conduct extensive research with customers, horsemen, employees and the community to find out threats to Turfway as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
• Evaluate the facility, from the cushion and drainage of the actual track to its curb appeal and how easy it is to park.
• Open an off-track betting site, since much of Turfway's revenues come from simulcasting.
Several members of the committee said they felt better about the sale after hearing more from the new owners. Rep. Paul Marcotte, R-Union, still cautioned them, however, on betting that the legislature will approve casino-style gambling anytime soon.
“They may do it,” he said, “but it certainly won't be with my help.”
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