Genting one step closer to winning Aqueduct casino bid

A subsidiary of Malaysia-based casino operator Genting was selected this week by the New York Lottery to operate the proposed slot machine casino at the Aqueduct Racetrack.

The planned casino, at the famous raceway near New York City, will have 4,500 video lottery terminals and would be the closest legalized gambling facility to the heart of Manhattan.

Elected leaders, including New York’s governor and the leaders of the Assembly and the Senate, need to sign off on the choice. Gov. David Paterson has said publicly he would go along with the lottery’s decision.

Genting offered a $380 million upfront licensing fee, well above the required $300 million, and $55 million more than any other bidder had offered. Genting operates Resorts World on Sentosa Island in Singapore.

The decision may not be resolved quietly.

Penn National Gaming has asked to lottery to reconsider its decision and the selection process. In a letter to lottery officials, Penn National said the request for proposal process was defective and the lottery should have exercised more discretion in evaluating proposals.