Gaming Commission orders tracks to implement security measures

Saratoga Casino Hotel is among the many racetrack amenities throughout New York implementing fireplace security provisions in response to directives issued by the New York State Gaming Commission. 

The gaming fee performed a statewide racetrack fireplace security evaluation after a June 16 blaze killed 17 horses in a barn positioned on the on line casino’s harness observe in Saratoga Springs. The fee mentioned {that a} week after the fireplace, it demanded all tracks instantly set up functioning smoke, fireplace and warmth alarms in all barns, and supply staffing to react to activated alarms.

“We have a moral imperative to safeguard these animals. There is no excuse to delay inexpensive, immediate steps while permanent, long-term regulatory changes are considered,” Commissioner Marty Mack mentioned in a press release Wednesday.

A state Gaming Commission panel is reviewing the circumstances of the fireplace in Saratoga, in addition to fireplace prevention and emergency protocols at horse barns at New York’s 11 racetracks. It says all tracks function in compliance with native municipal constructing and fireplace codes, however that’s inadequate to guard horses as a result of many barns are with out functioning fireplace alarms.

“Track operators were asked to promptly respond whether their barns have or are being fit with functioning smoke, fire, and heat alarms. Initial responses indicate significant industry mobilization, though critical gaps remain,” the state Gaming Commission mentioned.

The fee shared a number of the evaluation’s findings: 

• Saratoga Casino Hotel is putting in 12 alarms in every barn, totaling 350
• Finger Lakes Racetrack is putting in eight smoke and warmth detectors in every barn, totaling 84
• Monticello Raceway is putting in six extra smoke detectors and 4 fireplace extinguishers in every barn
• Buffalo Raceway had issue putting in 120 deliberate detectors earlier than its meet ends this month, so the gaming fee “is reviewing human-patrol mandates for this interim period”
• Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have practical warmth/smoke detection networks linked to safety and/or native emergency providers
• Yonkers Raceway at Empire City Casino’s barns are geared up with handbook alarms linked to safety and native fireplace providers, in addition to fireplace extinguishers. Smoke and fireplace alarms are anticipated to be put in this week.

“Batavia Downs officials’ response did not readily address immediate smoke, fire and heat alarm detection device installation plans, but instead detailed barriers to large-scale infrastructure changes,” the fee mentioned. “The Commission immediately followed up seeking the missing information, directing Batavia to implement stop-gap human monitoring protocols, and stipulating that long-term upgrade costs do not excuse a lack of short-term safety measures.”

Racetrack operators in New York have been ordered to supply updates and extra data relating to fireplace security to the fee by July 7.