The plan for the Racino at Aqueduct is trotting long on course and going through all of the necessary channels, according to State Lottery officials and Genting NY.
In response to a report in The Daily News, both entities said that they are moving along as planned and that they never expected a “rubber stamp” from either the state controller or the state attorney general.
Approvals for the gaming and racing facility in South Queens are still needed from State Controller Thomas DiNapoli, as well as State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. In order for the project to move forward, they need to sign off on the contract approved by Governor David A. Paterson and legislative leaders after Genting delivered the winning bid to the State Lottery.
After the governor’s approval, many thought that the entire process would be finalized in short order, but Lottery spokesperson Jennifer Givner said that such a scenario was never expected and that some might be pushing the panic button a bit too early.
“We see this as part of the OSC (Office of the State Controller) doing their due diligence,” said Givner. “The process has been very open and they have had questions for us and we’ve responded. It is moving forward.”
A spokesperson for Genting NY – the lone bidder for the Aqueduct Racino development – concurred and said that the controller and attorney general have looked over the contract and will make their decision in due time.
Both Genting and Givner said that this delay should not be perceived as a major snag in the deal to refurbish and expand the Racino in South Ozone Park.
The state is set to receive $380 million from Genting within 10 days of Cuomo and DiNapoli approving the contract – a major selling point and a big reason Genting got the bid. Genting’s proposal expires 180 days from the date it was submitted, but officials don’t believe the review process will encompass anywhere close to that timeframe.
Calls to Cuomo and DiNapoli’s office were not returned as of press time.
