New York State Senator Wants Vote on Casinos
The idea of full casino gambling in New York has been raised by a state politician. State Senator John Bonacic thinks the issue is important enough to let the voters decide.
Bonacic voiced support for a state constitutional amendment that would clear the way for Class III gambling, including Vegas-style slots and table games, to be legalized with New York borders. Bonacic stated, "I would like to see a constitutional amendment down the road to let the people see if they want to spend their money in New York or go to Atlantic City or Connecticut or Vegas or Canada.”
Currently, only racinos offer casino gambling, and only in the form of video lottery machines, which are electronic slots. These are available at Yonkers and Monticello race tracks.
Monticello is under renovation as a $1 billion project to include the old Concord Hotel, and developers are in negotiation with the St. Regis Mohawks concerning a casino on the property. But present Department of the Interior Policy is that off-reservation casinos do not get the needed federal approval.
Bonacic clearly recognizes the revenues traveling out of state due to New York's stricter casino laws, and he would like citizens to have the option to stay instate and gamble, thus bringing New York much-needed tax income.
