N.Y. approves major gaming deal

FROM THE ARCHIVE

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2001

The New York Legislature has signed off on a major expansion of gaming in the state, ushered in by a sense of urgency to replace falling revenues in the wake of September 11's terrorist attacks.

The Senate approved the deal 52 to 8 yesterday, followed by an Assembly vote of 93 to 40 early this morning. The measure goes on to Gov. George Pataki (R), who pushed for the deal.

The bill gives Pataki the authorization to finalize negotiations over three casinos in western New York to be opened by the Seneca Nation. Before the attacks, the deal was floundering in the Assembly due to Democratic objections over labor union issues.

The bill also authorizes compact negotiations for three casinos in the Catskills. Pataki had previously approved of a single St. Regis Mohawk casino.

That proposal is included in the package but also one by Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohicans of Wisconsin. Status of the third casino was not clear, although other tribes have expressed interest.

However, Indian gaming will face competition on a number of fronts. First, the approved package allows slot machines equivalents at race tracks.

Second, Republicans in the Senate pushed through a bill to allow casinos to be operated by anyone so long as local voters, the governor and the Legislature approve. The Democrat-led Assembly has not acted on that proposal

All told, the package is expected to bring in as much as $1 billion to the state in the next three years. According to estimates, losses from terorrist attacks will cost the state up to $9 billion in the next 18 months.

Get the Story:
All bets placed on gambling (The Albany Times-Union 10/25)
Bill That Expands Gambling Is Approved by State Senate (The New York Times 10/25)
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