State Pulls Plug on Aqueduct Entertainment Group
Thursday, March 11, 2010
New York, NY –
The Paterson Administration has formally dropped support on the controversial deal to build a casino at the Aqueduct racetrack in Queens. In a statement, Gov. David Paterson's office says the state Division of the Lottery, which regulates gambling in the state, was not able to grant a gaming license to the Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG).
AEG says the decision is "arbitrary and capricious," and the groups says it's contemplating legal action.
In the letter of rejection, lottery officials faulted the last minute exit of partners just before the final application was due this week as one reason for its decision.
The latest development comes the same week that AEG lost two influential investors, the Rev. Floyd Flake and rapper Jay-Z. Gov. Paterson also recently recused himself from negotiations on the deal.
The selection process of AEG is under investigation by federal prosecutors and by the state's Inspector General.
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