Genting Malaysia BHD will now be able to carve its gambling footprint in the State of Florida after the gambling giant entered into a consulting agreement for the casino portion of Gulfstream Park.
The Miami Herald reported that Genting is now overseeing all casino operations, including financial reporting, slot promotions, and player hosting inside Gulfstream Park in the Hallandale Beach property. It is home to a horse racing track, casino, and shopping-and-dining complex.
But Genting quickly clarified that Gulfstream Park, which has been the lone South Florida racetrack casino, will not be added to its Resorts World brand.
“Gulfstream Park is a storied race facility which has long been considered a leader in thoroughbred horse racing,” Michael Levoff, senior vice president of public affairs at Genting, said in a statement. “By taking over management of the existing casino, Genting will modernize the current gaming offerings to a similar best-in-class level as the race facility. Gulfstream Park is an ideal location to expand our offerings in the region to include a top casino destination in South Florida.”
Levoff, however, did not provide details on the financial terms of the deal.
The Malaysian-listed company, which has 10 large casinos under its Resorts World brand, has long been eyeing to cement its presence in the Sunshine State. It first made headlines in Florida when it purchased the former Miami Herald site in downtown Miami in 2011 for $236 million.
Genting pushed for the opening of a gaming facility on the site but its plans received underwhelming legislative backing. It also explored legalizing hotel casinos via a constitutional amendment, before research showed no chance of passage.
