NYCOTB threatens shut down; NYRA offers free bus rides from parlors

NYCOTB threatens shut down;

NYRA offers free bus rides from parlors

The New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation announced late Tuesday

that it will shut down all of its betting parlors as well as its

account-wagering operation at the close of business on Friday.

The OTB board of

directors approved the plan on Wednesday, one day after the New York State Senate

closed out a special session without passing a bailout bill that would have

allowed the bankrupt OTB to carry out a reorganization plan the company says is

necessary to continue business. Included in the plan were cuts in payments to

tracks.

It is the third time the New York City OTB has threatened closure since it

filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in December of 2009.

Beginning on Saturday, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) will offer free

bus service from select New York City OTB parlor locations in Brooklyn,

Manhattan and Queens to Aqueduct.

At the conclusion of the racing day, 15 minutes after the final post at

Aqueduct, the buses will leave from the Clubhouse entrance and drop patrons off

at the same pick-up points.

This Saturday and Sunday, all bus passengers will receive vouchers for a free

hot dog and soda or coffee, while all track patrons will receive a free Post

Parade program.

There will be five bus routes with the following schedules: