Voters approve new casinos

By Kelly Seiz, Tichakunda Mafundikwa, Anthony DeRosa, Madeleine Anthony

The proposed amendment to section 9 article 1 of the state Constitution passed Tuesday with a 57-43 percent margin allowing the construction of up to seven casinos in New York state to promote job growth, educational aid and the potential for local governments to lower property taxes.

Bill S.5898 proposed by Republican Senator John Bonacic of the 42nd District, put the amendment on the ballot that would allow "up to seven licenses for casino gambling facilities to be regulated by the state gaming commission; establishes funds within the state finance law; relates to the expansion of video lottery terminals and allows OTB corporations to host video lottery terminals."

The state Constitution articles that deals with lotteries and gambling within the state does not currently have any allowances for table-top gambling on New York State property. The proposed amendment now changes that, allowing for up to seven facilities to exist at any given time in the state.

The first four casinos will be allowed upstate in the Southern Tier, the Catskills, and the Capital Region. These casinos will be exclusive for their first seven years, after which three more will be permitted. Indian-run casinos will remain exclusive in the western and central portions of New York.


Read more at http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2013-11-06-85740.113122-Voters-approve-new-casinos.html