Genting clears final hurdle for New York Aqueduct Racetrack

KUALA LUMPUR: Genting group has finally cleared the last hurdle for the proposed Aqueduct Racetrack in New York when the State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli approved the contract on Monday, Sept 13.

News reports said comptroller Thomas DiNapoli approved a contract calling for the installation of 4,500 video lottery terminals at the track.

The new racino will be run by Genting NYC, an affiliate of a Malaysian-based casino and resort corporation. The company was awarded a 30-year contract after it agreed to pay the state an upfront fee of $380 million.

The news reports said Genting released a statement saying, in part, "We are eager to immediately begin investing, creating jobs, sparking economic activity and bringing New York a one-of-a-kind iconic entertainment destination."

Genting had said the racino will create 800 permanent jobs.