[NYguy]

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local...149497635.html

I-Team Exclusive: The Man Behind a Queens Casino Dream
Christian Goode has built casinos elsewhere and is now trying his luck in New York

By Chris Glorioso
May 1, 2012

The man who has helped build casinos from Oklahoma to West Virginia to western New York is now trying his luck in what is arguably the most lucrative gambling market outside of Las Vegas: New York City. "We supply entertainment that people demand," Christian Goode told NBC 4 New York in a recent exclusive I-Team interview as he strode through the Resorts World Casino, a recently renovated property in Ozone Park, Queens. The casino already houses about 5,000 computerized slot machines known as video lottery terminals.

Goode is the senior vice president of Genting, a Malaysian casino firm that bought a $380 million license to operate those video lottery terminals. Since then, Genting has invested another several hundred million dollars, renovating the building and preparing it for something much bigger: a possible amendment to the New York state constitution that would legalize table games like blackjack and poker. "What we envision is building a world class resort," Goode said. "We've talked about and are working through plans to build the largest convention center in the U.S."

For table games to become legal, the state legislature must approve a constitutional amendment this year and then the voters must approve the amendment in a referendum next year. Goode insists Genting could build a convention center even if table games are voted down, but if they are legalized, he envisions a more rapid expansion driven partly by a steady influx of foreign visitors. The casino's proximity to John F. Kennedy International Airport, he says, would make it an ideal place to attract air travelers. Goode has also talked up a dedicated rail link to Manhattan. "You would see this whole area built out with hotels," he said

If Goode sounds confident, he has good reason to be. Genting has hired one of the most imposing lobbying and public relations teams in New York history. They include a former top aide to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a former attorney for Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Mayor Bloomberg's former campaign manager, and a long-time adviser to Cuomo. So far, Genting's lobbying efforts appear to be paying dividends. It is hard to find elected leaders who oppose the plan. "I believe Genting is a pioneer in many ways," said Erich Ulrich, a Republican city councilman who represents Ozone Park. "Genting has answered every one of the concerns of my residents," said Democrat State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, who also represents Ozone Park.