In its haste to make a statement on gambling, Saratoga Springs may have cut the legs right out from under Saratoga Casino & Raceway. Rules for application, released yesterday, say that “a prospective casino operator must have a resolution of support passed by the legislative body from the host community … an applicant failing to have local support won’t even be reviewed.” State Gaming Commission Acting Executive Director Rob Williams added, “If [support] is not evidenced, your application will not be received.”
So much for the notion of the Saratoga Springs City Council that, by unanimously voting against expansion of gambling at the raceway (which has 1,700 VLTs) they’d be improving their bargaining position. But Mayor Joanne Yepsen remained in hard-ass mode, stating, “it is the responsibility of the applicant through the application process to garner the support from the community. So far that hasn’t happened.”
Dan Hogan, a front man for racino ownership, chose to whistle past the graveyard. He asked, “Is it a tall order? It’s a tall order for everyone. None of this takes away from the fact Saratoga is still the best location. That’s what we’ve been saying since day one.”
Details of the application form continue to trickle out. In addition to the 52-page licensing 
applications, there’s an 89-page request for personal details. If the cost of a background check exceeds $1 million, applicants are on the hook for the overage. You also have to knock on practically every door: “In weighing local support and opposition under this criteria, the board will consider public statements and declarations, letters or resolutions from the host municipality, nearby local governments, private organizations, community, religious and civic groups, charitable organizations, entertainment venues, chambers of commerce, local businesses, labor organizations, [et cetera],” Uff da! And you only have a matter of weeks in which to do it.
Congratulations, Saratoga Springs. You’ve shot yourself in the foot.
Heard on the Strip. The Jacksons, playing at Planet Hollywood, may not be long for this world. Rumor has it that the show is running at a deficit and may soon be closed. We’ve come a long way from the days when entertainment was a loss leader to get gamblers in the door.
