Gov, Big A Not Signed Up

“I did not sign up for this,” Governor Paterson said in an appearance in Syracuse on Wednesday.

“I wanted to be lieutenant governor. I had this grand plan that Hillary Clinton was going to become president. Maybe the governor would appoint me to the Senate.” [NY Times]

I don't agree with readers such as el angelo who contend that the governor is a moron. But he sure does say some moronic things. I think he's a decent man who's done an altogether decent job, and I find it sad to see him unravel in this way.

Nor did the governor sign up for selecting the Big A racino operator, and as he dithers, Pennsylvania seems to be moving full speed ahead towards table games; and with a familiar refrain.

Expanding casino gambling to include the table games is a major part of the $27.9 billion state budget agreement being finalized by state lawmakers. It's a key part of plugging a $3 billion revenue shortfall.
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Three of the four legislative caucuses, plus Gov. Ed Rendell, favor legalizing table games. [Pennlive.com]

Table games would be permitted at all 12 slots parlors (nine of which are already in operation), and create some 10,000 jobs. But unlike the video slots, there's no provision for a cut from table games for the racing industry. And, with proposed tax rates ranging from 12% to 21%, the games are a better bet for operators than the slots, at 34%. So the industry is understandably concerned.

On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Equine Coalition highlighted a decision by the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, in anticipation of table games, to scrap plans to install 2,000 additional slot machines.
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"This case highlights how differing tax structures are driving casino operators to favor table games over slots machines," said Michael P. Ballezzi, executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, which represents horsemen at Philadelphia Park. [Penn Live]

And it also highlights how behind the curve we are at Aqueduct, as the gambling options continue to proliferate around it. The Big A, along with Yonkers and the already struggling Monticello, are the most likely sites to take a hit from an expanded gaming option within an easy drive....though you can be sure that table games will be on the agenda in Albany before too long. And I imagine we'll be hearing again about this.

- Got a press release today from The Marino Organization on behalf of the R. Donohue Peebles team with MGM Grand announcing an endorsement from NYS NAACP president Hazel Dukes, a former president of NYCOTB (which really qualifies her as an expert on the subject, especially considering her stellar record).

Then, I get another email, this one from someone in Macau who writes that a "very brave media outlet" is reporting that Macau casino magnate, and reputed organized crime figure, Stanley Ho is dead. As you may recall, MGM Grand has come under fire for its partnership in a Macau casino with Ho's daughter Pansy Ho. The writer went on to opine that a flurry of lawsuits from family members will result, and that "We'll then see, no doubt, the direct written agreements, Ho's have [sic] with, Hard Rock, Wynn and MGM." Hard Rock and Steve Wynn also have properties in Macau. Have no idea as to the veracity of this, but what the hell, it's interesting enough to meet the low journalistic standards of this site.

Besides, as I've said before, I think that Peebles' bid has as much of a shot as this: