Gambling regulator weighs in on future of Catskill OTB

The state’s gambling regulator is taking issue with the Catskill Off-Track Betting Corporation’s history of events that they say contributed to their planned closure.

“The letter’s false aspersions and the fact that Catskill has yet to formally notify the Commission of your shutdown in 10 days are the latest examples of a pattern of mismanagement that has plagued the organization for years,” state Gaming Commission Executive Director Rob Williams wrote to the embattled gambling operator on Wednesday.

“To be clear: The unfortunate reality is that Catskill is closing its wagering operation because, as your own auditor relates, it is no longer a going concern,” he wrote in the letter, which is available below.

Williams notes that the commission learned about the OTB’s planned shutdown from a message on the organization’s website and claims they only found out about their Nov. 12 request for an emergency meeting with the governor after it was publicized by The Capitol Pressroom.

Responding to the OTB’s claims that state regulators have not responded to requested actions, Williams said a review of their actions indicated that the commission has responded appropriately and contended that several requests from the embattled gambling operator had previously been addressed.

In a separate letter, the commission lays out the next steps for the Catskill OTB to take as they plan to stop accepting bets at the end of the month. They’re directed to indicate by Nov. 25 their plans for the disposition of patron’s accounts and uncashed tickets, resolving outstanding debts to racing industry stakeholders, and handling equipment at their partner bars and restaurants.

A copy of that letter is available below.

11.20.24.CatskillOTBLetter2 Redacted by Capitol Pressroom on Scribd

11.20.24.CatskillOTBLetter1 Redacted by Capitol Pressroom on Scribd