Aqueduct Casino Bidding May Re-Open After AEG Is Rejected

The Aqueduct Entertainment Group, a partnership that was brought together to bid for the rights to operate a casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, learned on Thursday that after winning the bid, the group was rejected by licensing authorities.

The bidding process surrounding the Aqueduct casino had been long and at times strongly contested. Governor David Patterson was thought to be heavily involved with pushing AEG to win the bid.

Once the bid was awarded, AEG had time to supply financial details to the Lottery Division in New York. AEG did not do that in a timely manner, and now their rights to operate the casino have been stripped.

Although they have been rejected, AEG may take legal action to win the rights to the license back again. They feel they have done everything correctly, and are unsure why they have been turned away.

"In the event that AEG is not given an opportunity to address the issues raised by the Lottery, and the decision to reverse the prior selection of AEG as the successful bidder is not reconsidered, AEG intends to pursue all available remedies," said AEG Attorney, Barry Berke, in an e-mailed statement.

Governor Patterson, who had an influential role in the bidding process the first time around, will not be part of the next phase of bidding wars. Patterson has been advised to stay out of the process.

March 12, 2010
Posted By Susan Torres
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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