Three firms submitted final bids yesterday to run a racino with 4,500 video slot machines at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens — including the powerful SL Green-Hard Rock partnership and Asian casino giant Genting.
Penn National Gaming also has resubmitted a bid on the long-delayed project.
Two other companies didn’t leave the starting gate — Delaware North-Saratoga Gaming and Empire City Gaming/Yonkers Raceway. Both firms cited the state’s financial demands and other risks for backing out.
In a surprising development, Canadian-based banking firm Clairvest — the chief backer in the controversial AEG consortium during the last round of bidding — has joined the SL-Green-Hard Rock bid.
The Lottery Division will recommend a winning bidder on Aug. 3.