Suffolk County Off-Track Betting Corp.'s slot-machine parlor to open in March

The New York State Gaming Commission on Monday gave final approval to the operating plans for a slot-machine parlor operated by Suffolk County Off-Track Betting Corp., with plans for the casino to open in the next month, according to commission officials.

The parlor, which will be located in a former Marriott hotel in the Village of Islandia on Long Island, will eventually house 1,000 video-lottery terminals, devices that closely resemble slot machines. The hotel has been purchased by Delaware North Cos., a hotel and casino operator, and renamed Jake’s 58 Hotel and Casino. Delaware North, based in Buffalo, N.Y., will operate the business for Suffolk.

Suffolk, which is in Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection and owes $3 million to the New York Racing Association, won the right to operate 1,000 slot machines under legislation passed in 2013. The county-owned corporation had to scrap plans for several other locations because of local opposition.

The casino is expected to open in March with 250 machines. The remaining machines should be installed by this summer, officials have said. The site will also offer parimutuel wagering on horse races, according to commission officials.

Suffolk has estimated that the machines at the parlor will generate $2 billion in gross wagering. Since filing for bankruptcy, Suffolk has closed 10 of its 14 OTB parlors.