Horse race wagering could change locations

by Erin Snelgrove
Yakima Herald-Republic

Links
Email_black_18  E-mail           Print_black_18  Print            Talk_black_18  Comments
Advertisement

More 'Local'

  1. Avalanche control impedes traffic
  2. Right Pro Hardware closing after 15 years
  3. Wapato homicide is county's 20th this year
  4. Woman's family sues for medical negligence
  5. Recount for Selah CIty Council race is Dec. 7
  6. Shortfall may force budget cuts in Wapato
  7. Local job growth gets a financial lift
More Stories:   Today's News | This Week
Satellite wagering for horse racing fans may be moving to a new Yakima site later this week.

Emerald Downs of Auburn, Wash., authorized by the state to operate off-track betting, is asking the state Horse Racing Commission to move the wagering site from the Thunderbird Casino and Lounge at 1402 S. First St. to Susie's Bourbon Street Bistro and Bar at 1023 N. First St.

The commission will make a decision at its Thursday meeting in Auburn. Bob Leichner, executive secretary of the racing commission, said no one has expressed concerns about the new site -- which could open for business as soon as equipment is installed. This could take less than a day.

The casino's debts and patron complaints about a broken air conditioner prompted Emerald Downs to seek a new site, Leichner said.

A month ago, the casino voluntarily closed because of financial troubles. A few days later, Emerald Downs crafted a short-term lease with the businesses' owners to resume horse betting there.

The new Thunderbird owners owe nearly $160,000 in back taxes on gambling revenues to the city of Yakima, said Rita DeBord, financial director for the city.

Yakima officials are considering suing the Thunderbird and its owners to get its money.

DeBord said Yakima has received a $15,000 payment from the casino within the last couple of months. However, a settlement agreement has not been reached, and city attorneys are still reviewing their legal options.

A spokesperson for Emerald Downs could not be reached Monday.

Although the Thunderbird's gambling license expired last month, it has since been renewed, said Susan Arland, spokeswoman for the state Gambling Commission. The casino has also downgraded its card room table license from the maximum of 15 tables to one, she said.

Calls made to Kennewick attorney Leland Kerr, who represents the new casino owners, were not returned Monday.

 

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 577-7684 or at esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com

 



Commentsicon2
Log in or Register to leave a comment.

Posting Guidelines - Updated Aug. 21 2009
Readers are encouraged to use these forums to discuss issues affecting the Yakima Valley. Debate the ideas presented in stories and other comments, but refrain from personal attacks and offensive remarks aimed at others; e.g., you may call an idea idiotic, but don't say the person is an idiot. The Herald-Republic reserves the right to remove any comment for any reason. Examples include material that is obscene, encourages illegal activity or stereotypes based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and other factors. Continued violation of these guidelines can lead to suspension or revocation of your ability to post comments. If you believe a comment is inappropriate, you can bring it to our attention by clicking the "report violation" link by each comment. Guidelines revised Aug. 21, 2009.

Registered User?