Gov. Spitzer Slot Plan for Aqueduct Racing Track

On September 4th, 2007, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer commented that he is expecting a gambling organization to apply for the opportunity to manage slot machines at the Aqueduct Racing track within two months, reviving a plan from Spitzer's predecessor that was long delayed.

The Aqueduct Racing track, which is located in the New York City borough of Queens, could become another rival to the casinos in Atlantic City, which already compete with the tribal casinos in Connecticut and numerous gambling establishments in Pennsylvania.

Horse racing fans and pundits would only have to buy a single ticket to play the slot machines or watch the horse races in Aqueduct. The slot machines could also be operational in eighteen months.

Ex-Governor George Pataki from the Republican Party first proposed putting slot machines at the Aqueduct racing track to enhance state profits. Gov. Spitzer dismissed the idea of placing video lottery terminals at the Saratoga Race Course in New York. But Spitzer said that he will consider developing the unused land at Belmont Park on Long Island if it will not affect the racing track's thoroughbred horse races.

Real estate developers placed a high value on Belmont and Aqueduct because they can be easily reached by subways, buses and other mode of transportation in New York City. Spitzer's plan also includes building new merchandise shops, hotels, video lottery terminals and other entertainment facilities.

Monday, 01 October 2007
Theo Evans