44°
Gov. Andrew Cuomo spent the day after voters decided to pass a measure to bring casinos to the state in Bethel touting the potential merits of the plan and the revenue it will bring to the state.
The governor estimates that the casino will bring more than $51 million in aid to 10 counties in the state and boost tourism.
“The passage of Proposal One is a big win for local governments, school districts and taxpayers in the Catskills and Hudson Valley region,” Cuomo said in a statement. “Yesterday’s vote by New Yorkers to authorize casino gaming will keep hundreds of millions of dollars spent each year in neighboring states right here in New York, providing more revenue for local schools, relief for property taxpayers and countless jobs for New Yorkers, while bringing proper regulation to the industry."
Cuomo also said the bill builds on "landmark agreements" with Native American tribes.
The amendment, approved by New York voters, authorizes the state legislature to approve up to seven destination gaming resorts in the state. Earlier this year, the legislature passed and the Governor signed the Upstate NY Gaming and Economic Development Act, which together with the approved amendment paves the way for an initial four destination gaming resorts to be established in Upstate New York.
The location for the four upstate destination gaming resorts will be selected competitively based on the economic development impact of the resort, and restricted to three regions of the state: the Hudson Valley–Catskill area, the Capital District-Saratoga area, and the Eastern-Southern Tier.
One region may have up to two casinos if determined by the state siting board. No destination gaming resorts can be authorized in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, New York City, Long Island or Indian exclusivity zones.
There will be a 7-year exclusivity period during which no further destination gaming resorts will be licensed by the State.
See the full county-by-county aid distribution forecast from the casinos here.
Click here to follow Daily Voice White Plains and receive free news updates.
