Opinion: New York set to expand non-Indian casino offerings

Tuesday, May 15, 2012  

"The New York State Legislature recently voted in favor of a constitutional amendment that would allow seven Las Vegas-style, non-Indian-owned, private casinos. The amendment will need to be approved by the Legislature again and then by voters to become law.

New York State’s hypocrisy regarding the prohibition of gambling may be coming to an end.

Lotteries have been held in New York since the 19th Century to raise revenues for various needs. But it was in 1967 that voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing a government-run lottery. Its official slogan: "Your Chance of a Lifetime to Help Education" accompanied the mandate that funds be "applied exclusively to, or in aid or support of education."

About $7 billion was wagered with the New York lottery last year. About $4.1 billion was paid in prizes (59.4 percent) and $2.9 billion (31.3 percent) was contributed to education."

Get the Story:
Lenny Palumbo: GAMING ODDS STACKED AGAINST NEW YORKERS (The Niagara Falls Reporter 5/15)