One of the proposed revenue enhancers in Gov. David A. Paterson's preliminary 2009-2010 state budget was to add Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) to Belmont Park Racetrack. For those who aren't familiar with the terminology, VLTs are basically computerized slot machines, like the ones at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway.
These gambling devices have already been planned for Aqueduct for a while, but that has been stalled for a few years now and will finally happen (we hope!) in 2009. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has spoken out against having these at Belmont and has said he wouldn't support such an effort, however that was before the realization of the depth of the state's budget crisis. I believe the severity of these budget problems and the need for new funds may make the Speaker reconsider his original position.
The Saratogian had an article on this yesterday, and here is an article from Long Island's Newsday on it. This is not simply a downstate issue. Besides the revenues additional VLTs would provide to the state, VLTs at Belmont would certainly provide more money for NYRA. Would this mean that needed improvements at Saratoga Race Course would be addressed more comprehensively and quickly? I would hope so. Let's face it, Saratoga is attached at the hip to NYRA, so what's good for NYRA is arguably good for Saratoga. Let's put the VLTs in Belmont and help out the state, NYRA, and ultimately our beloved Saratoga.
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