This is one gamble that paid off.
The Aqueduct Resorts World “racino” in Queens is celebrating its one-year anniversary — amid positive reviews from state officials and community leaders that the facility has boosted jobs and swelled Albany’s coffers in a fragile economy.
Gamblers have waged more than $11 billion in bets playing at the Big A’s 5,000 video lottery terminal slots and electronic table games.
Operated by Malaysian-based Genting, the casino has more than 1,750 workers and has generated more than $410 million in revenue for the government. Of that, $263 million funds public education and $86 million goes to prop up New York’s horse-racing industry.
“I give the casino an ‘A’ grade. It’s running. It’s making money. The impact on the community has been negligible,” said Betty Bratton, chairwoman of Community Board 10 in Ozone Park, where Aqueduct is located.
“The two concerns we had in the beginning was traffic and crime — neither of which materialized. Overall, we are very pleased,” added Bratton.
The casino opened its first wing on Oct. 28 of last year. The second level opened by year’s end.
“Resorts World is proud to have far exceeded all first-year revenue and tax expectations this year, even while being completely open for just ten months,” said RW casino president Michael Speller.