• Self-serve terminals inside the Albany OTB clubhouse on Central Avenue Wednesday Feb. 4, 2015, in Albany, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) Photo: John Carl D'Annibale / 00030436A

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale
Self-serve terminals inside the Albany OTB clubhouse on Central Avenue Wednesday Feb. 4, 2015, in Albany, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
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ALBANY - New York's regional off-track betting corporations could soon have the authority to merge operations.
The budget proposed last month by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo includes language paving the way for combined operations, which is something the Capital District OTB would consider under the right circumstances.

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"If an opportunity comes about, we'll review it," said Capital OTB President John Signor. "Right now there's nothing really out there."
While Signor supports the measures inclusion in the final budget, which is due on March 31, he stressed that the Capital OTB was able to turn a profit in 2018.
Catskill OTB President Don Groth said his branch isn't in "active pursuit" of a merger. He added that a merger wouldn't address any of the underlying statutory challenges facing OTBs.
A merger would potentially streamline administrative functions and save money for the regional OTBs, which traditionally operate on very narrow margins.
Hudson Valley harness racing
The Catskill OTB might soon get in the business of harness racing, thanks to legislation from Assemblyman Gary Pretlow that would let the OTB take over operations at Monticello Raceway in Sullivan County.
Additionally, Catskill OTB would be allowed to operate up to 1,100 video gaming terminals at three locations outside of Tioga, Westchester and Sullivan counties. The current operator of the 1,100 terminals at Monticello is preparing to abandon them in April.
"We would have interest if the Legislature allowed us to," Groth said of the potential transition.
The arrangement could be similar to Western OTB's operation of the Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, which includes video gaming and harness racing.
David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87