The State of New York is looking into putting its horse racing operations in the hands of private companies. It’s a big move that Governor Andrew Cuomo says could increase revenues while ending decades of mismanagement at the publicly run tracks.
Cuomo’s administration took control of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) last May and is currently in the process of nominating a new board of directors.
The NYRA is a semi-public body that’s been running the tracks since the 1950’s. A recent jump in horse deaths at the Aqueduct Track has put activities at the tracks under the spotlight.
Earlier this year the Cuomo administration supported an effort to change the state’s constitution to allow for more legal casinos. Currently, New York racetracks offer slot machines and video lottery terminals.
In an interview with the New York Times, Governor Cuomo stressed that New York is not interested in selling their race tracks to private interests.
All these moves are aimed at beefing up state revenues, but could be a major boost to the gaming industry in New York.
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