Genting New York operates some 5,400 video lottery terminals at the Aqueduct racetrack in Queens, and was to face some opposition from 1,000 VLTs at Belmont.
But a deal made at the end of March transferred the machines from Belmont to Genting New York’s operations at Aqueduct, giving Genting up to 6,400 machines, while also eliminating its potential rival.
The two racing facilities are located only 10 miles apart, and that has caused problems for fan turnout on race days. Critics said a similar scenario likely would develop, were Belmont to add the 1,000 gaming machines.
But some are suggesting a bigger move, by transferring all racing activity from Aqueduct to Belmont, and allowing Aqueduct to continue operating as a gaming-only facility.
If table games were to be added, Aqueduct would stand a good chance of becoming the busiest and most popular gaming destination in the New York City area, some suggest.
Yet, opposition to the VLTs at Belmont likely would be repeated at Aqueduct, were it to attempt to convert to a full gaming facility sometime in the future.
