TB's back at Rockingham part of developer's plan
 

Developer's vision for The Rock hasn't changed
Presents his plans to state group yesterday

http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh...294012527.html

By Jarret Bencks
jbencks@eagletribune.com

CONCORD — It's been four years since he bought a stake in Rockingham Park with the hope of someday remaking the park around video slot machines, but Bill Wortman's vision of a renovation hasn't changed.

Wortman, co-owner of Millennium Gaming, was one of several people who presented expanded gambling proposals to the governor's Gaming Study Commission yesterday. Wortman owns 20 percent of Rockingham Park himself and his company holds an option to buy the park.

His presentation outlined a plan that has stayed the same since it was publicized last December. That plan includes a $450 million, two-phase renovation to Rockingham Park, which would include up to 5,000 slot machines, a return to thoroughbred horse racing, and generate more than 2,000 jobs in the area, Wortman said.

Millennium operates three small casinos in Las Vegas and a racetrack with slot machines in Pennsylvania.

Wortman said the economy hasn't deterred Millennium's interest in renovating Rockingham Park, which he said he believes is one of the best places anywhere for expanded gambling.

"We think Rockingham Park is one of the best gaming opportunities in the country," Wortman said during a meeting with the press yesterday.

GOOD NEWS---hope Great Barrington is next

Just what we need, another track.

For very selfish reasons I would prefer that this does not come to pass. Massachusetts looks likely to allow some form of a casino and I would love Suffolk Downs get a piece of that action. Given that The Rock is 30 or so miles away it is unlikely that slots/gaming at both facilites would thrive.

Also, the traffic getting up 93 is already a bear and the thought of more traffic heading up/around 93 to get off at exit 1 in NH is a distressing thought!

I loved playing poker at the Rock when I was up in New England.

I just don't get the insanity.. It's all about slots and the lure of casino biz.. Nobody give a F about race horses, unless they are in kill pens, then everybody loves Mr Ed and his 8500 a year cost to live.. I hope people in the industry starts to come around soon.. This is really sad..

I'm only about an hour away. Could be fun.

Here you go Freddy! Blue Ribbon Downs the first to shutter...


Blue Ribbon to cease operations
By Mary Rampellini


http://www.drf.com/news/article/108337.html

Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, Okla., will cease operations permanently when its current mixed meet ends on Nov. 28, the track's owner, Choctaw Nation, announced on Thursday. Blue Ribbon was the first pari-mutuel track to open in Oklahoma, putting on its initial race card on Aug. 30, 1984.

It isn't really hard to figure out why BRD is closing...it is in the absolute middle of nothing.

Was it named after the beer?

I am pumped Steve.. Sallisaw Ok? Get the F..k out of here