New York Controller Questions Aqueduct Casino Contract

The state of New York is again delayed in its attempts to bring a casino operator to the financially troubled Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.

This time though the holdup is not being caused by the Governor, Attorney General or the Lottery division who were quick to sign the 30 year contract to Genting New York, this time the holdup is within the state Controller’s Office.

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said he would not be as quick to sign off on the contract indicating that he had additional questions about the project and would need time for answers.

“After nearly a decade of false starts and broken promises, I understand the sense of urgency to get this contract approved,” DiNapoli said. “It’s a 30-year license that carries the future of New York’s racing industry on its back. Thoroughness must not be sacrificed for expediency.”

DiNapoli said that he would complete his review of the contract by next week and was currently waiting for answers from the Lottery Commission to some “additional” questions.

DiNapoli is the last state official to receive the contract and his signature will allow construction on the project to begin.