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Gambling On Another Form Of Gambling
Cahill, Other Legislators Ready To Push For Ulster VLTs

RONDOUT VALLEY – With the county's shot at getting a casino torpedoed, area resort owners are again talking about obtaining state permission to install video lottery terminals.

When the idea was first broached by general partner Eliot Spitzer of the Hudson Valley Resort and Pinegrove Ranch owner David O'Halloran, it was met with a lot of pressure to allow the gaming license process to play out first. With Ulster County casino supporters now licking their wounds, however, VLTs are receiving a warmer response.

Soon after the gaming commission awarded a casino license in Sullivan County, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill called for the measure to be considered during a special legislative session towards the end of last year.

"It appears that Ulster is left without a casino for the foreseeable future. With the award of a license in Sullivan County, the competitive advantage of some of our existing destination resorts may be diminished," he said in a statement released at the time. "That is why I am calling for the state legislature to reconvene immediately to consider my legislation that would authorize video lottery terminals for two locations in Ulster County."

Cahill had introduced the bill during the regular session, and a companion bill was backed by State Senator Seward, but it did not reach the floor for a vote. As the legislature did not return for a special session, it got no traction at the later time, either.

Since then, resort owners have been developing a robust plan to ensure that VLTs would be seen as being beneficial to the local economy. For one, Spitzer has suggested that the legislation also include two Wawarsing resorts — Honor's Haven and the Nevele. In addition, he and O'Halloran have proposed a rewards program to encourage VLT-focused tourists to get out and about in the area.

By using the video lottery terminals, win or lose, players would receive "reward dollars" which would be redeemable at any Ulster County business — with the exception of the resorts themselves. They would work like a debit card so business owners would know how they were getting paid, and as often happens with gift certificates, the users will likely spend some of their own money, as well.

"This unique program will encourage guests to leave the four resorts and redeem their Reward Dollars in the towns, villages, shops, restaurants and farm stands," said a statement the pair released. "VLT Resort Reward Dollars is a community program capable of lifting all boats, not just the resorts and their employees."

"This allows Ulster County some seat at the table," said Cahill when he was reached for comment on the idea. While he was not aware at that time that another two resorts had been suggested for inclusion, he said he would not object to such an amendment if the owners did not. The bill he proposed last year requires local community support, which given the positive feelings about a casino may not be difficult to achieve. "This legislation would allow for those who want to visit the Catskills and enjoy all that we have to offer to also participate, in a limited way, in gaming. The economic impacts are well established — for every two VLTs, one new job is created or an existing one protected."

Other elected officials were in the process of studying the issue.

Jeff Bishop, communications director for Senator Seward, said that the senator "would be reviewing the legislation and contacting local resort owners to gauge their reaction to it."

Senator John Bonacic, who chairs the senate committee overseeing gaming, released a short statement, saying only, "While no Senate companion bill has yet been introduced for this session, I believe that the idea of locating video lottery terminals (VLTs) at resorts in the Catskills deserves review and consideration."

Senator George Amedore's staff advised that he had not yet had time to review last session's bill as he settles into his new position, and Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney's office did not have a statement by press time.

Spitzer said that the proposed legislation is designed to piggy-back on rules permitting the devices in Nassau County, and could provide an important revenue stream that would give local resorts the competitive edge they need, particularly during the mid-week lulls when few overnight guests check in.

"It is disappointing to see that Ulster County was not selected by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for the operation of a casino at any of our existing venues," he is quoted as saying in Cahill's press release. "At the County's request, we waited patiently for the decision on Nevele's application and with the strong support of Assemblyman Cahill proactively crafted and introduced legislation during the 2014 Legislative Session intended to serve as a backup plan that would allow for a limited number of video lottery terminals in Ulster County. Now that a final verdict has been rendered and Ulster County is left with no casino, it is essential that we pass this measure as soon as possible that will enable the two existing resorts in Ulster County to do their part in creating hundreds of jobs, attracting more visitors to the region and boosting the overall health of the struggling local economy."

Reached directly for comment, Spitzer added, "People need the right reason to come someplace that's twenty minutes off the exit. This could be done early this year if there's enough support from the public."



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