OTB fans transition to Aqueduct

After months of speculation, the three remaining Off-Track Betting parlors in New York City closed yesterday, leaving doubt over the future of gambling in the boroughs, including up-and-coming institutions like the Aqueduct race track in Ozone Park, Queens. A one-time draw for a cultish following of retirees and gambling enthusiasts, OTB’s demise left a void in the city for many, according to the New York Times. Now, the New York Racing Association is shuttling former OTB fans to South Ozone Park, where gamblers can enjoy Aqueduct race track. But the result hasn’t lived up to the racing association’s hopes: while attendance at the track is up, overall gambling on races remains low. [NYT] and [NYT]