First-Ever New York Gaming Summit Convenes in April

The event will be held April 8-9 at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Albany, N.Y. It is presented by GEM Communications, publisher of the industry's leading trade magazines, and producer of gaming-related conferences throughout the country.

The New York Gaming Summit will focus on the effects of gaming legislation, passed last year in the Empire State, that provides for the state's entry into a multi-state lottery game, the introduction of gaming machines at as many as eight racetracks, and the creation of six new tribal casinos.

The legislative move has been greeted enthusiastically by investment analysts who cover the gaming industry. Estimates indicate that the New York gaming expansion could produce $1 billion in tax revenues annually, implying a $3 billion to $3.5 billion industry. Such numbers would place the state among the top five gaming markets in the country.

"We are excited to hold the first public forum addressing the current and future importance of the New York gaming market," said Charles Anderer, vice president and group publisher, GEM Communications. "Every segment of the industry will have a lot at stake in this market, as will the citizens of New York. Some of the most knowledgeable professionals in gaming are already part of our conference program. Collectively, they will address the many commercial and public policy issues arising from expanded gaming in one of the world's most vibrant economies."

The summit will begin with an evening reception and keynote presentation on April 8, followed by a full day of seminars on April 9.

Seminar topics include:

-"Regulatory: The Rules of the Game," which examines the emerging New York regulatory model as it relates to VLTs at racetracks and to tribal gaming.

- "Economic and Social Impact: Gaming and Local Communities," which addresses the concerns expressed over gaming's expansion, and the hopes of communities such as Buffalo, Niagara and the Catskills for economic growth.

-"The Future of Indian Gaming in the Empire State," in which New York's three tribal nations will outline their plans to take advantage of the huge potential presented by Indian Gaming in New York.

-"The New York Gaming Market: A Regional Perspective" addresses the impact that New York's gaming expansion could have on neighboring jurisdictions, including Atlantic City, Connecticut and Canada.

-"How VLTs Will Transform New York's Racing Industry" addresses the potential economic boon that New York's substantial pari-mutuel wagering industry could enjoy with the addition of VLT machines.

The five conference sessions and two keynote addresses will be presented by a distinguished lineup of industry experts from New York and surrounding jurisdictions. Speakers and moderators confirmed to-date include:

Keller George, President, United South & Eastern Tribes Gaming Association; Jan Jones, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Communications, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.; G. Michael Brown, Attorney, Brown, Previtt & Carroll; Jacques Cornet, CIBC World; Michael Hoblock, chairman of the New York State Racing & Wagering Board; Joe Kelly, Professor, SUNY College of Buffalo; Fred Gushen, Commissioner, Oneida Nation Gaming Commission; Frank Catania, President, Catania Consulting; Frank Roma, Director, Niagara Citizens for Casino Development; Tom Foley, Attorney, Johnson Hamilton Quigley Twait & Foley; Mark Van Norman, Executive Director, National Indian Gaming Association; Joe Weinert, Gaming Reporter, The Press of Atlantic City; John Kempf, Goldman Sachs; Sebastian Sinclair, Christiansen Capital Advisors; Andrew Zarnett, Managing Director, Deutsche Banc Alex.Brown. Inc.; Bennett Liebman, Coordinator, Racing and Wagering Law Program, Government Law Center, Albany Law School; Ron Sultemeier, President, Sportsystems Corporation; Bruce Hamilton, Executive Director, Harness Horse Breeders of New York State; Bill Nader, Senior Vice President, New York Racing Association.

Additional speakers are being added weekly.