Is NYC Really Getting a Casino?
New York City could become the next Las Vegas. New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday proposed a $216.3 billion budget that would bring casino gambling to the Big Apple.
Budget director Robert Mujica said “no specific designation that they have to be in New York City,” but said it was likely the focus of applications would be on the downstate area.
“There will be a competition for them,” he said of the new licenses.
Earlier this month the state launched sports betting apps accessible from all homes and businesses within New York's borders. No longer do those living in New York City have to trek across to the Meadowlands in New Jersey to place bets on their favorite teams.
Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon), chairman of the Standing Committee on Racing and Wagering, hailed Hochul’s plan.
“I love it!” he said.
“We can issue licenses this year and raise anywhere from $1 billion to $2 million in revenues. There will be more jobs and income tax revenues. It’s a win-win-win.”
Just don't expect the Bellagio or Monte Carlo. Instead, one will be looking more at a Resorts World situation. That company already operates a casino in the New York City area. But its akin to NYC having a beach compared to, say, Long Island and New Jersey having real beaches.
That company issued a statement: “Gaming in downstate New York is full of untapped potential and Gov. Hochul’s initiative to award additional casino licenses is a big step toward showcasing the state’s enormous promise.
“If granted a full casino license, we are uniquely positioned to immediately elevate our support for the state in a number of significant ways. On day one, we’ll be able to hire and train hundreds of new union members, generate significant additional revenue for public schools, and drive economic activity for local small businesses and the Queens community.”
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
