Stillman objects to panel's OTB approval

Hartford - A legislative committee voted in favor of permitting simulcasting of horse racing at a proposed off-track betting facility in New London Tuesday, over the objections of Sen. Andrea Stillman, who said she opposed the measure as an "expansion of gambling" in the state.

The legislative action comes after the New London City Council approved the venture by Autotote Enterprises and downtown landowner William Cornish to launch an OTB parlor inside a new restaurant planned for Eugene O'Neill Drive. The business still needs a change in state statute to permit the proposed facility to show live racing. Simulcasting is already permitted in 12 other municipalities, including Milford and Putnam, which were approved by the legislature last year.

The legislature's Public Safety Committee voted 17-3 to move the New London off-track betting bill forward. Stillman, who represents New London and owns a downtown business, voted against the measure while Rep. Ernest Hewett, D-New London, voted in favor. The bill must also pass the Planning & Development and Finance committees before consideration by the full House of Representatives.

- Ted Mann