[NYguy]

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beat...-for-aqueduct/

Lone VLT Bidder Outlines Plan For Aqueduct

By: Bobby Cuza
9/09/2010

After almost a decade of false starts including more than one failed bidding process, a plan to bring video slot machines to Aqueduct Raceway is looking like a sure bet. What's still needed is for Governor David Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson to give the green light to the Genting Group, a Malaysian-based casino and resort operator. And now, State Senator Eric Adams of Brooklyn says he will push for approval by week’s end.

"I must say, after your presentation, I’m extremely excited. I’m going to send a memo to Senator Sampson and ask him to formally recommend this venture," Adams said.

Adams is chairman of the State Senate’s Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, which heard a two-hour pitch from Genting executives Monday. Within six months, Genting says it will have 1,600 video slot machines up and running, along with a food court.

In a year, the full interior will be complete with 4,500 slot machines total, a buffet restaurant, two high-end restaurants and a VIP area. And within 18 months the project will be complete with a grand entrance, including a three-story waterfall in the lobby. There will also be on-stage entertainment, outdoor event space and an enclosed skybridge to the subway station.

"You’re more than building slots in a box here, gentlemen. You’re building a place which people say, 'Hey let’s go for dinner over there,' or, 'Hey let’s bring my folks, they’re in town, over there,' or, 'Hey, let’s get on the subway and go over to Aqueduct. We’re gonna have a good time after the game,'" said Genting spokesman Jay Walker.

Lottery officials received interest from several development groups in this latest round of bidding. But Genting was the last one left standing, after the two other finalists were disqualified last month for failing to conform to the bid requirements.

"I was disenchanted that they were the only bidder remaining. I wanted it to come down to more than one. And so I was reluctant to recommend. Then after seeing their presentation, clearly they are the best product," Adams said.

Genting estimates the project will create about 2,100 jobs and is promising to put one percent of net profits back into the community. It doesn’t hurt that Genting has also promised $380 million as an upfront licensing fee, money that will help the state close a massive budget gap.

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http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/b...3jKNXsvtqlhTVI

Betting on real casino

By CARL CAMPANILE
August 10, 2010

Officials with the Malaysian gaming giant set to run slot machines at Aqueduct Race Track are already talking about expanding to a full-fledged casino -- if New York were to legalize it.

During a presentation to the state Senate yesterday, a spokesman for the company Genting, Jay Walker, said the outfit relished the opportunity to have games like blackjack, poker and roulette at the planned Aqueduct video-lottery-gaming facility.

Walker said table games "[appeal] to another group of people" and are "important in the long term."

"If we have a more full casino, we become more attractive in pulling people in . . . It will significantly improve the success overall with table games," Walker said.

Walker also pointed out that the top level of the three-floor casino will be left vacant for future growth or use.

But Walker stressed that for the immediate future, Genting is focusing on running a first-class 4,500 video-lottery-terminal facility, which is what the state asked for.

Under the best of circumstances, it would take at least several years to authorize casinos in New York.

Such an undertaking requires amending the state constitution, which requires voter approval in two statewide ballot measures following approval by two separate election sessions of the state Legislature.

Sen. Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn), who chairs that body's racing and gaming panel, applauded Genting's enthusiasm for expanding into a full-fledged casino.

He said it's inevitable that New York will legalize Vegas-style casinos because surrounding states -- New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut -- offer them.

Adams said he's "more excited than ever" to pursue table games to help preserve the horseracing industry after hearing Genting's endorsement.

"It's a win-win for New York. Right now, you see cars with New York plates at casinos in Atlantic City, in Foxwoods and Pennsylvania," he said.

The state Lottery Division and Gov. Paterson back Genting's plan. But it still needs a sign-off from the two legislative heads, Senate Conference Leader John Sampson and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan).

Senators were particularly impressed with Genting's plan that 60 percent of hires at the racino will be minorities -- more than double what the state required.

If it gets a final OK, Genting said a 1,600-slot facility at Aqueduct would be up and running within six months.

A spruced-up 4,500-slot facility with restaurants would be operating within a year. And amenities -- such as a skywalk connecting the racino to the A-train subway station -- would be in place in 18 months.