1.9.22 - Lawmakers are pushing for up to three casino licenses in NYC region
' Now’s the time to roll the dice on the Big Apple, casino proponents say.
Key lawmakers, backed by the powerful hotel and casino workers union, are pushing Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature to take action this year to award up to three casino licenses in the New York City region.
The move comes after the New York State Gaming Commission launched its much anticipated mobile-sports-betting operation Saturday, say legislators and gambling proponents.
The pitched casino expansion could provide thousands of needed jobs to make up for the deep employment loss during the two-year coronavirus pandemic, they say.
“Issuing full gaming casino licenses downstate has moved to the top of my agenda,” said Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon), chairman of the state Assembly Committee on Gaming and Wagering.
Pretlow said Genting’s Resorts World gambling parlor at Aqueduct race track and MGM’s Empire City slots parlor at Yonkers Raceway would have a “head start” to win two of the three downstate gaming licenses to expand to include table games. The venues are currently only permitted to offer Lottery Division’s slot-style video lottery terminal games. '
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