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Batavia Downs announces support for new gaming legislation

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTBC), owner/operator of Batavia Downs has pledged its support of the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act and the referendum that will be put to the citizens of New York State in November.

“This legislation keeps Batavia Downs Gaming as a vital partner to state and local governments,” said Michael Kane, president and CEO of WROTBC and Batavia Downs Gaming. “This act will allow us to continue providing good paying jobs and generating significant funding for schools and our municipalities. Governor Cuomo and the legislature recognize the significant contributions made by racetrack casinos in Western New York to state education funding and job creation.”

Robert Brown

And in the squinty print:

"1332 establishes the age of 21 as the minimum age for gambling at licensed gaming facilities."

"1332. AGE FOR GAMING PARTICIPATION. 1. NO PERSON UNDER THE AGE AT WHICH A PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO PURCHASE AND CONSUME ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SHALL ENTER, OR WAGER IN, A LICENSED GAMING FACILITY; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH A PERSON MAY ENTER A GAMING FACILITY BY WAY OF PASSAGE TO ANOTHER ROOM, AND PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, THAT ANY SUCH PERSON WHO IS
LICENSED OR REGISTERED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY ENTER A GAMING FACILITY IN THE REGULAR COURSE OF THE PERSON'S PERMITTED ACTIVITIES.
2. ANY PERSON DISQUALIFIED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION ENTITLED TO FUNDS, CASH OR PRIZES FROM GAMBLING ACTIVITY SHALL FORFEIT SAME. SUCH FORFEITED FUNDS, CASH OR PRIZES SHALL BE REMITTED TO THE COMMISSION AND DEPOSITED INTO THE COMMERCIAL GAMING REVENUE FUND."

http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5883-2013

Jun 22, 2013, 3:08am Permalink
Robert Brown

That's a good thing (I personally believe 18 is a reasonable age requirement), but why have different rules for different venues in the state and why should you be required to be 21 to make a wager? Oh, I forgot, there's a difference between "gaming" and a casino and obviously an 18 year old just should not be allowed in a casino! Government doesn't stop sending 18 year old citizens to be killed or maimed in far away lands. Government has no problem taking money from 18 year old citizens. Maybe our 18 year old citizens should start placing their bets on a different set of politicians to represent them.

Jun 22, 2013, 12:24pm Permalink

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