AMOA-New York Teams Up With Betson To Advocate Legal Online Gaming

NEW YORK CITY -- The Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York is joining forces with Betson Enterprises (Carlstadt, NJ) in a campaign to legalize online gaming in bars, taverns, clubs and other hospitality venues in which AMOA-NY operators would be licensed, authorized providers.

The association noted that, in recent years, Betson has been among the organizations credited with facilitating the success of this operator-centric business model in the state of Illinois. Today, video gaming is an important new business opportunity offering an enhanced revenue stream for Illinois operators.

"This is important for our operators to remain competitive and embrace technology," said AMOA-NY president Ken Goldberg, Emerson Amusement Co. (Woodside, NY). "Today, customers can legally participate in gaming right from their cellphones, iPads and other electronic devices. Our challenge is to stay relevant and continue to demonstrate to our customers that we offer value and attractive entertainment options in our locations.

"For the past several years, government-run taxpayer-supported enterprises, mainly in the form of off-track-betting, have attempted to invade our space and have failed miserably," Goldberg continued. "Given their unimpressive track records, I believe public officials will now take another look at operators as a source of new revenue, and embrace us based on our experience, expertise and proven success."

There is a vast difference between the manner in which professional operators do business and manage bottom-line costs and the invariable practice of government organizations with no experience in service and marketing, Goldberg explained. "This should be a healthy business where there is an income opportunity for many, job creation, and a reasonable revenue projection for government," he emphasized.

Details on the association's plan and on participating in the effort may be had from AMOA-NY executive director Danny Frank at (212) 279-1041 or dannyfrank@comcast.net.