Manhattan OKs video gambling
By Erin Gallagher For The Herald-News June 20, 2012 10:46AM
Updated: July 25, 2012 6:22AM
MANHATTAN — The Manhattan Village Board voted Tuesday to allow video gambling. This is in preparation of the state’s upcoming regulation of video poker and other gambling machines.
The nearly unanimous decision amended a 1977 ordinance that prevented gambling. Trustee Mike Naughton cast the only no vote.
Newly appointed Trustee Vince DeBono suggested the board request business owners post signage with the 1-800-GAMBLER or other information to help people with gambling problems. The board agreed to suggest the measure, but did not require it.
“Just reflect it in the (meeting’s) minutes that it would be nice, to leave it up to the owners,” DeBono said.
There are three establishments in town that have a pour liquor license to qualify for video gambling. They are Gallagher’s Pub, Fritz’s Saloon and The Bit O’Blarney Pub.
Video gambling machines have a maximum bet of $2 per play. The number of plays is not restricted. The maximum payout is $500. Each business will have up to five machines, with a minimum payout of 80 percent. Play will be restricted to people age 21 and over.
The new machines are expected to be available Aug. 1.
