Nevada casino operators may get chance at New York City

Nevada-based casino operators may have the opportunity to build a huge resort in New York City after New York's governor dealt a blow to plans by Malaysia-based Genting to build there.

In a late Friday afternoon radio interview, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Genting's plan for the nation's largest convention center and potential casino at New York City's Aqueduct racetrack was scrapped.

"The conversations hadn't really worked out," Cuomo said.

Genting, which operates the slot machine-only Resorts World at Aqueduct, hoped to expand the casino at the racetrack while adding a hotel and convention center.

Cuomo said he's now talking to additional developers who could compete next year for a project at a different location.

MGM Resorts International quickly indicated the company's interest.

In an email late Friday, MGM Resorts spokesman Alan Feldman said the company, which operates 10 Strip resorts and CityCenter, continues "to explore opportunities to bring our unique destination resort and convention experience to New York."

Feldman said Cuomo's vision "creates an exciting opportunity for MGM to help achieve the state's economic development goals."

Cuomo unveiled the development as a centerpiece of his State of the State speech in January. The proposed convention center would be located between New York City's airports. Trains could easily transport convention attendees and gamblers from Manhattan and Long Island.

Feldman said the company's integrated resorts model "will result in thousands of jobs for New Yorkers and tremendous economic opportunities for local businesses."

MGM Resorts has expressed interest in building a resort complex in Toronto. The company is also exploring a casino opportunity in Western Massachusetts.

Union Gaming Group principal Bill Lerner told investors that he expects Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Caesars Entertainment Corp. to also show interest in a New York City casino.

Lerner said the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan is New York's only space for large conventions. However, it is too small and previous attempts at expansion were deemed too costly to the New York taxpayers.

"Should New York State's constitution be amended to include expanded gaming, there would be obvious interest from well-known gaming operators," Lerner said. "There are still several legislative hurdles in place before a casino and convention center could come to fruition in the state."

Lerner said New York lawmakers approved a constructional amendment to allow casino resorts with slot machines and table games. However, the amendment must be passed in consecutive legislative sessions and win approval in a statewide referendum.

In a statement late Friday, Genting said it still hopes to expand the Aqueduct facility and supports Cuomo's approach.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.