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| Concept art for Resorts World New York at Aqueduct, courtesy of RWNY |
According to officials, the company has spent more than US$15 million to remove lead paint, asbestos, and pigeon droppings from the building.
As one official said it:
"There were pigeon droppings everywhere -- on the floors, ceilings, walls, on every surface."
Due to the cleanup effort, the racino is expected to open around September but officials would not confirm whether it would be before or after the US' Labor Day.
Last year, Genting New York LLC, a subsidiary of Malaysia's Genting Group, announced that 1,600 video lottery terminals will be operational by spring this year. However, the delay in the grand launch has upped that number of VLTs to 2,500 come opening day. The racino hopes to have the planned 4,525 VLTs running by the end of the year.
Genting and RW officials said that the first 2,500 VLTs are expected to generate US$45 million per month in gross gaming revenue wherein US$ 6 million will be allocated to racing support.
Aside from the increased VLTs, more features initially planned for phase two of the project will become available by opening day. Originally, officials said only the main entry, porte cochere, international buffet and parking garage would be available by opening day. However, with the date moved to September, other features of the racino will also be available including a seven-outlet foodcourt, the 360 Bar and entertainment space, and a fastfood outlet.
Source: New York Post, The Saratogian
Posted: August 19, 2011
