The New York Racing Association has struck a deal with Resorts World Casino New York by which the gaming company will operate some concessions at Aqueduct, which is being redeveloped to accommodate 4,500 video lottery terminals.
The agreement is expected to generate an additional 141 full-time jobs, which would bring the total for the casino project to 1,291, officials said Aug. 2. The VLT casino is expected to open sometime this fall; photos indicate interior construction is well under way.
The idea is to offer a similar food and beverage experience in the casino and the racetrack.
“We are thrilled to continue working with Resorts World to improve our racetrack and our community,” NYRA president and chief executive officer Charles Hayward said in a statement. “This is an exciting transformation for a Queens institution, and we are happy to offer our visitors, old and new, an enhanced racing experience along with much-needed employment opportunities.”
Resorts World said that as of July 20 it had received more than 15,000 applications for permanent employment. About 75% of the applications were submitted by residents of Queens, a borough of New York City.