3.25.22 - New York City-area casino licenses: Lawmakers ‘realistically optimistic’ a deal is near
' State lawmakers are increasingly hopeful that New York will roll the dice this year and expedite licenses for up to three downstate casinos — a move that would open up the largest untapped gambling market in the nation and provide a major revenue and economic boost for the state.
The measure could be part of the state budget set for approval next week after Gov. Kathy Hochul included it in her proposal in January and the Senate did the same in its one-house resolution.
"I think it’s going to happen. I think it should happen," said Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee Chair Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon).
His counterpart, Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Queens), was also hopeful that allowing the state to start the bidding process for up to three casino licenses in New York City and its suburbs this year could make the final cut in the budget deal.
"I’m realistically optimistic," he said. "How to do you leave roughly $2 billion [in casino licensing fees] on the table? That’s tough to do in terms of jobs and educational funding." '