Does Aqueduct's VLT loss make for Belmont's gain?

The deal to install video lottery terminals at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens fell apart last week, and some Elmont leaders are hopeful that the cancellation of that deal could open the door for VLTs at Belmont Park.

Much to the chagrin of Gov. David Paterson, the state was forced to cut ties with the Aqueduct Entertainment Group on Thursday, March 11, after admitting that the process by which the deal was made would not hold up to an ethics examination.

The cancellation of the VLT deal, which would have resulted in a $200 million payment to the state and billions in gambling profits to be had for AEG, forces the process back to the beginning, with new groups bidding to operate a combined casino and racetrack out of the location.

It also delays the introduction of any VLTs, which both the state and NYRA were hoping could be installed soon to begin generating revenue.

Now, however, with the process going back to the selection of a VLT provider and operator, Elmont leaders are hoping that the government uses the opportunity to expand a request for proposals to Belmont Park, as well.

“I would hope it gives us another open shot of having people look again, and maybe come to the conclusion that they can do both together,” said Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development Co-Chair Sandra Smith. She said that including both tracks together just made sense from a financial standpoint, and that she hoped the state would take another look at their own process.

“This is another opportunity for our elected officials to stand up for Elmont,” Smith said. “You have bipartisan support for this in the area, and that hopefully would make it even more of a possibility.”

State Sen. Craig Johnson, who currently has legislation to allow VLTs at Belmont working its way through committee in Albany, said that the loss of AEG’s bid, combined with the state’s huge budget gaps, make now a uniquely opportune time to install VLTs in both locations.

“Given the budget crisis right now, I think the door is really open for Belmont,” Johnson said. “Vegas has multiple casinos, why not have competition between Belmont and Aqueduct?”

In the interim, as more groups line up to knock on the door less than 10 miles away at Aqueduct, people in Elmont continue to ask: Why not us?