Gov. M. Jodi Rell has vetoed legislation that would have allowed three additional off-track betting sites to open in Connecticut.
House Bill 5236 would have allowed three facilities in the state, including bars and restaurants in Manchester, New London and Windham, to add screens in their establishments for the simulcasting of off-track betting (OTB) races and jai alai matches.
Currently, 12 OTB establishments exist in the state, and four have opened since 2007. That recent spike raised concerns for Rell saying it “is a worrisome and growing trend.”
“We cannot amend our statues every time a restaurant owner complains that business has been down,” Rell said. “Permitting additional screens to simulcast horse races and jai alai is neither a viable life-line for Connecticut businesses, nor the answer to an ailing economy.”
