New Legislation Introduced by Senators Golden and Lanza Would Allow for Nyc Off-Track Betting Operations to Resume

Albany- State Senators Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) and Andrew J. Lanza (R-Staten Island), today introduced legislation that would allow a vendor selected by an RFP process and approved by the State Racing and Wagering Board, to run the New York City off-track betting corporation and resume operations in a manner that would support the New York state horse racing industry.

The legislation would allow a private vendor to provide the same service previously offered through the operation of NYC OTB. This bill would require the private vendor to give employment priority to former OTB staff members and sets provisions for the payment of health benefits for OTB retirees. Additionally, the bill would require at least three facilities to be opened within each of the five boroughs of New York City.

Senator Marty Golden stated, “The closing of operations of the New York City off-track betting corporation was preventable and this legislation presents a plan to bring it back in a superior form. This bill addresses the problems that closing OTB caused, including job and benefits loss, and that is why I urge my colleagues to support this bill and ask for swift legislative action in the Senate and the Assembly.”

Senator Golden continued, “This is our chance to bring back OTB to New York City to make it profitable long-term, generate revenue, and create hundreds of jobs. We cannot simply abandon the workers and the role that OTB has played in our City since 1972.”