"Casino gambling promises to be one of the hottest issues in New York in 2013.

The stars have seemingly aligned for proponents of casinos, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver all expressing their support.

And last year the Legislature took the first step toward passing a constitutional amendment with a vote to legalize casinos. Next year a newly elected Legislature is expected to vote on the required second passage of the amendment and put the matter before voters in a referendum.

Key lawmakers said they are optimistic the effort will be successful, but that competition for the seven licenses will be stiff."

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Setting the Agenda: Casinos & Gambling (City and State 9/17)