Attorney Peter Sacopuos served as moderator for the opening panel of The Racing and Gaming Conference in Saratoga that was held August 13-15, 2025, in Saratoga Springs, New York. The panel “Racing Ahead: Immigration Policy and the Future of the Hospitality Industry, Horseracing and Casino Labor” included three nationally recognized speakers. The panelists included Leonard J. D’Arrigo, immigration law expert and partner with Harris, Beach, Murtha, as well as thoroughbred trainer Gary Contesa. Mr. Contesa has won sixteen New York Racing Association training titles. Attorney D’Arrigo and trainer Contessa were joined on the panel by Nancy Underwood, Executive Director of the Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST). The panel discussion was well received and well attended. Many in the audience had questions following the June ICE raid at Delta Downs where over 80 backside workers were detained. As the Trump administration tightens VISA programs and enforcement, racetrack and casino operators across the country are feeling the pressure. Concerns, issues, and solutions were offered by the panelists.
