Belmont Park will be the future site of a new 100,000-square-foot slots parlor if state lawmakers approve the addition.
Nassau Regional Off-Track Betting announced the famous race park is its preferred choice for the new slots parlor, which would be located on the western end of the grandstand and house about 1,000 slots. Local Nassau County officials anticipate getting $20 million more per year in revenue from the proposed slots parlor.
If the plan is approved, Nassau Regional OTB would build a temporary 15,000-square-foot slots parlor, while construction proceeds on permanent facility.
Proponents and opponents alike await a ruling New York Judge Jerry Garguilo, who on December 9 heard oral arguments regarding the future of an electronic betting parlor in Medford.
Suffolk Off-Track Betting wants to relocate 1,000 video lottery terminals that now are stored at a site in Brookhaven into the 90,500-square-foot betting parlor in Medford.
Blocking that plan is the Medford Taxpayers and Civic Association, which claims the proposed casino does not comply with local zoning laws. It also says the casino would increase local traffic problems, drinking, and crime.
No date is specified for Garguilo to deliver his ruling on the matter, but U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Carla E. Craig recently ordered Brookhaven Town and Suffolk County to review proposals for the gaming facility and issue a permit if it conforms with local zoning laws.
Suffolk OTB is working with local officials to revise its plan as needed to ensure it conforms with local zoning and to minimize any potential environmental impact.
Local residents had through early January to comment on an environmental impact report before local officials render their decision on the matter.
