Conflict of Interests Delays NYC Internet Gambling Site
Connecticut DA protest delays New York online wagering site
Thursday 3rd May 2007
The grand opening of the Internet wagering site approved by the New York State Racing and Wagering board, has been delayed by one day after protests from the Connecticut Attorney General’s office were sent to the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and New York gambling regulators.
The planned site for horseracing and greyhound racing drew unexpected ire from Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal: 'New York tracks cannot trample our vital rights to prohibit Internet gambling - luring children and compulsive gamblers.'
He also threatened legal action. Gambling is permitted in Connecticut, where horseracing, greyhound and jai alai betting is possible via live and telephone accounts, but not over the Internet. Doing so is punished as a criminal offence.
The federal Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 gives “primary responsibility for determining what forms of gambling may legally take place,” to the state.
While Blumenthal was delighted with what he saw as a victory, John Ryan, chief administrative officer of NYRA stated that while its intention was to abide by the law, NYRA had done its research and wants to 'find out where we missed this.'
The grand opening of the Internet wagering site approved by the New York State Racing and Wagering board, has been delayed by one day after protests from the Connecticut Attorney General’s office were sent to the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and New York gambling regulators.