TB's back at Rockingham part of developer's plan

[Kasept]

Developer's vision for The Rock hasn't changed
Presents his plans to state group yesterday

http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh...294012527.html

By Jarret Bencks
jbencks@eagletribune.com

CONCORD — It's been four years since he bought a stake in Rockingham Park with the hope of someday remaking the park around video slot machines, but Bill Wortman's vision of a renovation hasn't changed.

Wortman, co-owner of Millennium Gaming, was one of several people who presented expanded gambling proposals to the governor's Gaming Study Commission yesterday. Wortman owns 20 percent of Rockingham Park himself and his company holds an option to buy the park.

His presentation outlined a plan that has stayed the same since it was publicized last December. That plan includes a $450 million, two-phase renovation to Rockingham Park, which would include up to 5,000 slot machines, a return to thoroughbred horse racing, and generate more than 2,000 jobs in the area, Wortman said.

Millennium operates three small casinos in Las Vegas and a racetrack with slot machines in Pennsylvania.

Wortman said the economy hasn't deterred Millennium's interest in renovating Rockingham Park, which he said he believes is one of the best places anywhere for expanded gambling.

"We think Rockingham Park is one of the best gaming opportunities in the country," Wortman said during a meeting with the press yesterday.