Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) is proud to announce that the long awaited and much anticipated selection process for the Racino operator at Aqueduct is finally over. Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) has been selected to operate the VLT’s at the local racetrack. Aqueduct Entertainment is a consortium of individuals and organizations that are highly respected in the industry for having a vast array of knowledge and experience in the gaming and construction arenas.
“AEG is an organization who has long ties to the Queens community and has a unique and vast knowledge of the needs of our neighborhoods. The future of Aqueduct Racetrack is vital to our community. I look forward to working closing with AEG to ensure a successful project,” stated Pheffer.
AEG has widespread support from local groups including Community Board #10, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and many community and civic organizations.
“The Racino will bring welcomed economic growth to our community by providing jobs, both during the construction and also full-time permanent jobs for the operation of the facility. This project will be a strong economic engine for the local economy by providing added revenue for New York State, increased educational funding and much needed employment,” said Pheffer.
In order to ensure the success of the Racino the New York State Assembly included additional conditions; all investors at any level must obtain a license for the New York State Lottery Division which requires a round of extensive background checks; the up-front licensing fee was increased to $300 million; and AEG must use the environmentally approved footprint to ensure a quickened construction time.
“We have had many false starts in the past and I am thrilled that we will now begin to move forward with a successful project for Aqueduct,” stated Pheffer.
