The Government Law Center of Albany Law School attracted more than 100 attendees and plentiful media attention to its 12th Annual Saratoga Institute, a program dedicated to exploring the legal and public policy implications of racing and gaming in New York state and across the country, on Aug. 14 and 15 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.
This is the first time the institute took place over two days. The first day’s panels focused on current important issues to the racing community, with topics including legal standards in the treatment of horses, the retirement of race horses, certification and inspection of breeding farms and sanctuaries, and horse ownership responsibilities. The second day focused on hot topics in the current statewide casino and wagering debate, with panels focusing on the siting of casinos, on-line gaming, the relationships between casino gaming and racing, and the new NYRA regulatory framework. Senator John J. Bonacic, New York State Assembly Member J. Gary Pretlow, and President of the Seneca Nation of Indians Robert Odawi Porter participated as panelists, along with many high-level representatives from the racing and gaming community.
The conference was well attended, with approximately 125 participants on day one and 150 participants on day two.
Among the media attention:
Associated PressAlbany Law School examines NY racing, casino laws
The Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter
Times UnionCasino expansion faces obstacles
YNNNYRA's future discussed at Saratoga Institute on Racing and Gaming Law
Daily GazetteDetails lacking on casino amendment
The SaratogianVLT money: Use it or lose it, official says
The event was also covered extensively by legal and racing and gaming bloggers and Twitter users, including the following posts:
Daily Racing Form'Industry-wide approach' needed to fund post-retirement programs, officials say
New York Racing and Gaming BlogDay One: Albany Law School’s Saratoga Institute on Racing and Gaming Law Tackles Big Equine Industry Issues
Paulick ReportRacing Officials: Industry-wide solution needed on thoroughbred aftercare
Left at the GateIndustry Gears up for Battle
BloodHorse.comAftercare Regulation, Funding Aired Again