2 racing license hopefuls discuss merged effort

A slots license will likely go to the winner of the last harness racing license.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Two western Pennsylvania groups vying for the state’s final harness racing license have talked about combining their efforts, instead of competing against each other for the license, a state lawmaker said.

State Rep. Chris Sainato, D-Beaver, said that representatives for Bedford Downs and Valley View Downs, which wants to build a track in Beaver County, have talked about working together because of a looming July 2009 deadline to win the license.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure this thing comes to western Pennsylvania,” Sainato said. “If we can get both sides to work something out, it’s a win-win for everybody.”

Officials with Bedford Downs, which wants to build a track in Lawrence County, could not immediately be reached to comment. Valley View spokesman Rick Kelly referred questions to the state Harness Racing Commission.

Both groups earlier this month submitted new, individual license applications that are being vetted by the racing commission, executive secretary Anton Leppler said.

The commission had previously rejected applications by both groups, but the state Supreme Court ruled they could reapply.

Slot machines at stake

Whichever group wins the state’s last harness racing license is virtually assured of being granted a gaming license to operate up to 5,000 slot machines at the race track. But if no harness license is awarded by the July 2009 deadline, state law says the accompanying gaming license could instead be used to build a stand-alone slot machine casino anywhere in the state.

Pennsylvania already has three harness race tracks with casinos: The Meadows in Washington County, Pocono Downs near Wilkes-Barre and Harrah’s Chester Downs near Philadelphia.