Fighting over crumbs

Leader of firm chosen to run Aqueduct's racino says an Indian casino would put facility out of business
By PAUL POST

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Genting New York LLC, the firm chosen to run Aqueduct’s new racino, says a nearby Indian casino would put its facility out of business.

Belmont Park and Nassau Coliseum are just two potential sites that have been mentioned for a casino run by the Shinnecocks of Eastern Long Island.

The chances of an Indian facility opening are remote because of the various approvals required, but such discussions are a constant source of speculation.

“If the state ever allows a casino at Belmont, you would find a revolt among NYRA (New York Racing Association) and horsemen,” Genting executive Colin Au told a state Franchise Oversight Board that monitors NYRA’s business operations Monday. The board met at the state capitol in Albany.

“Of course, the private sector cannot allow this to happen,” he said.

Last fall, former Gov. David Paterson unveiled an ill-fated plan to have a Wisconsin-based tribe run a casino in the Sullivan County Catskills, near Monticello, only days after Genting paid the state $380 million for the rights to run Aqueduct’s racino. Genting strongly objected to that proposal, which has since died, but is even more emphatic in its opposition to an Indian casino on Long Island, near Aqueduct.

“It would be disastrous,” Au said. “We would probably have to close shop.”

Indian casinos, in just 20 years, have taken over 48 percent of the U.S. gaming market, he said. They have the advantage of paying few if any taxes, which allows them to offer patrons greater incentives such as free lodging.

Indian casinos also have full casino games such as blackjack, poker and roulette that many people prefer instead of slot-like videogames, found in the state’s racinos.

“We are absolutely on a very different level playing field,” Au said. “It’s important for the governor’s office to recognize they should not enter into a compact (with Native Americans).”