Indiana casino scandal may hinder license renewal

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002 | 11:10 a.m.

ALBUQUERQUE -- The state Gaming Control Board on Tuesday postponed a decision on whether to renew R.D. Hubbard's gaming license to operate Ruidoso Downs.

"We tabled a decision on the renewal of his application for a maximum of 60 days," said Greg Drake, the chairman of the state Racing Commission and a member of the Control Board.

Hubbard, the owner of Ruidoso Downs, has been the target of controversy in Indiana and New Mexico racing circles in recent months.

Hubbard had to relinquish his gaming license in Indiana and one of his companies -- Pinnacle Entertainment -- agreed to pay more than $3 million in fines for entertaining golf tournament guests with prostitutes and violating other gaming laws at an Indiana casino this year.

Hubbard also heads one of three groups that want to open a new track in Hobbs. The Racing Commission last month decided to reopen hearings on the Hobbs track, with one of the reasons being that the commission wanted to obtain additional information on Hubbard's case in Indiana.

Drake said the Control Board wants its investigative division to interview Hubbard. Drake said the Racing Commission also wants to question Hubbard.