New York Daily News
And the winner is — Aqueduct.
The Resorts World racino at Aqueduct is now tops in the nation in slot machine revenue, generating $57.5 million during May, according to state gambling data.
Resorts World’s haul eclipsed the powerhouse Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut, which took in $55.4 million.
Foxwoods casino in Connecticut ranked third with $50.4 million in revenue from the one-armed bandits.
“Resorts World’s model has maximized gaming revenue for New York State in a manner that has not been replicated by any other facility in the nation,” boasted Michael Speller, president of Resorts World Casino New York City.
Resorts World is controlled by Malaysian gambling giant Genting.
Gambling industry experts credited Aqueduct’s quick rise to the top — the racino opened in October — to its location inside the huge New York City market.
“New York City gamblers have long filled their gambling desires in Atlantic City and Connecticut,” said Joseph Weinert, senior vice president of the Spectrum Gaming Group, a consulting firm.
“Now they have someplace right in their backyard, and they are going there in droves,” Weinert added.
Resorts World’s success comes as Gov. Cuomo and state lawmakers press for the legalization of full-fledged casino gaming in the state.
Talks between Cuomo and Genting over the construction of a convention center/casino at Aqueduct recently collapsed, prompting Cuomo to seek other offers to build such a facility in New York City.
Genting officials said the May revenue figures bolster their argument that they are best suited to operate a full-fledged casinos.
“This is a partnership that works,” Speller said.
Resorts World’s May revenues resulted in more than $40 million to support the horse racing industry and state operations, including $25 million for education funding.
Resorts World’s highest-grossing month so far was March, generating $59 million in revenue. Its revenue dropped each of the next two months, but the racino still managed to finally surpass its Connecticut rivals.
According to Resorts World, the $40 million it gave to support education and other interests in May far exceeded what other states collected from gambling interests.
The Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos together generated $28 million for Connecticut in May.