(Long Island, NY) U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice released the following statement today after reports that Nassau County has abandoned plans for an electronic gambling parlor at Belmont Park, and will instead transfer its authority to install 1,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) to Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.
Statement from Representative Kathleen Rice:
“I’m very pleased to learn that county and state officials have reached a deal to keep this casino out of Belmont while ensuring that Nassau County still gets our share of the revenue generated by these machines. Based on the details that have been reported, this strikes me as a fair deal for the county, for taxpayers, and most importantly for the people who live in this community and whose children go to school right next to Belmont Park. Residents, community leaders and elected officials made it clear that we weren’t willing to bet the future of our communities on the success of a casino at Belmont, especially with the casino at Aqueduct just a few miles away. This agreement shows that we didn’t have to make that bet, that we can benefit from gambling revenue without opening a new facility in Nassau County, and that’s a win for all involved. I’m grateful to all the residents who came together and made their voices heard on this issue, I hope to see the deal finalized in the state budget agreement, and I look forward to exploring new opportunities for real, community-based economic development at Belmont Park.”
Rep. Rice’s previous statement opposing plans for an electronic gaming facility at Belmont Park is available here.
