Story posted Thursday, June 11, 2009
OTB License Approved; Opening In 6-8 Weeks?
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Members of the Illinois Racing Board voted unanimously to award Melrose Park-based Inter-Track Partners a license to operate an off-track betting facility inside the soon-to-be renamed Adam's Sports Bar and OTB on Milwaukee Ave. in Buffalo Grove.
"We have certain statutory requirements and if that application meets those requirements we have an obligation to issue a license," said Mickey Ezzo, spokesman for the Illinois Racing Board. "Everything was fulfilled and that is why the license was issued."
The license is good through Dec. 31 of this year because the Illinois Racing Board issues licenses at the beginning of each calendar year.
"Each year we review our licenses and those reviews are pretty comprehensive," added Ezzo. "We look at all factors. During my 10 years, we have never put an OTB on probation. I suspect what would happen if there were negative components, we would discuss those components at the licensing meeting in December."
"Realistically, it could be six to eight weeks until we begin our operations," said Inter-Track President and CEO Bob Bilocerkowycz. "There are a lot of things that need to be done and our venture partner (Adam's Rib & Ale House) has a list of things they need to do before we open."
Some of that work include re-striping the parking lot and beautifying the property.
"We want to do it right and execute in a flawless atmosphere," said Bilocerkowycz.
Bilocerkowycz said he and his staff plan on hiring five individuals and possibly more depending on demand. He also said when it comes time to open the facility there will be some kind of ceremony.
"I am sure we will do something equivalent to a grand opening weekend where we will invite village officials," said Bilocerkowycz.
After a seven-plus hour village board meeting last week, village trustees approved the off-track betting facility. New trustees Lisa Stone and Beverly Sussman voted against the OTB operation. Numerous residents also voiced their concern and displeasure with the betting operation.
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