New York Governor Supports NYC Casino

While casino gambling has rapidly expanded throughout the northeastern United States, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has set his sights on potentially putting a casino in the largest market in the country.

“Do I support casino gaming at a New York City location? …Yes,” Governor Cuomo told The New York Daily News. According to the newspaper’s report, Cuomo doesn’t exactly want to put a casino in midtown Manhattan, but thinks that a less densely-populated area would be perfect, such as Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.

However, it’s important to note that Cuomo didn’t suggest that a new casino must go into the Big Apple. Instead, he is in favor of expanding gambling options in the state, and thinks that New York City is just one possible location for privately owned casinos. In addition, the governor pointed to cities such as Albany and Buffalo as prime locations for casinos.

Despite Cuomo’s support, there’s a long way to go before privately owned casinos could be operated in New York. First, the State Legislature would have to pass an amendment to the state constitution in order to legalize casino gambling. This would require votes in both houses of the Legislature.

At the moment, there are several casinos operating in New York. However, these are Native American-operated casinos, such as Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona.

Cuomo says that while casino gambling would likely have some small adverse effects on local crime rates and problem gambling, these issues would be greatly outweighed by the economic benefits of new casino properties.

While expanded gambling would be a significant legislative feat for the governor, he has already presided over several significant accomplishments, including the legalization of same sex marriage and the first budget passed on schedule in several years. While there are no full-scale private or state-operated casinos in New York State, there are several “racinos,” such as Empire Casino at Yonkers Raceway, which is mostly made up of slot machines.