By Alex Davidson
Aqueduct Race Track, owned and operated by the New York Racing Association, will soon become the first facility in the city to operate video lottery terminals, the chairman of the association said last Thursday.
The Ozone Park track will be the largest operator in the country with 4,500 video lottery machines.
New York Racing Association Chairman Barry K. Schwartz said a deal for the Ozone Park grandstand and clubhouse had been reached with MGM Mirage, a Las Vegas-based hotel and gaming company, to operate the new machines in a deal worth $100 million. He estimated the terminals would start appearing at Aqueduct several months after the state Legislature approves the deal.
No specific date, however, was given for the terminals' arrival.
“This is a mutually beneficial working arrangement that helps NYRA to maximize the benefits to education, horsemen, breeders and the state of New York, and to do so as quickly as possible, Schwartz said. “We have an obligation to all parties to make the most of this opportunity.”
Aqueduct Race Track, located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., is adjacent to John F. Kennedy International Airport. The track opened on Sept. 27, 1894.
NYRA owns Aqueduct along with Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., the home to the Belmont Stakes leg of the Triple Crown, and Saratoga Race Course.
Once the video lottery terminals, or VLTs, arrive at Aqueduct, it will become the largest operator of the machines in the country and the only one within New York City's borders. The units will be housed on the second floor of the grandstand and clubhouse.
“We are proud to be selected by the New York Racing Association as their partner in this exciting project,” said Terry Lanni, chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage. “We share NYRA's vision and look forward to bringing an unparalleled VLT facility to Aqueduct.”
MGM Mirage owns and operates 14 casino resorts in Nevada, Mississippi, Michigan and Australia, Lanni said. The company has other investments in New Jersey, he said.
A name has not yet been decided for Aqueduct's VLT facility.
“We are extremely pleased to enter into this business relationship with MGM Mirage,” Schwartz said. “We look forward to working together to deliver a first-class environment and experience to our customers.”
Reach reporter Alex Davidson by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156
