Gov. Kathy Hochul played the ace up her sleeve Tuesday by including a plan that could bring legal casino gambling to New York City in her $216.3 billion budget proposal.
Hochul’s record-breaking spending plan allows the state Gaming Facility Location Board to issue a Request for Applications to open three new gambling parlors in addition to the four already operating upstate.
Budget director Robert Mujica said “no specific designation that they have to be in New York City,” but said it was likely the focus of applications would be on the downstate area.
“There will be a competition for them,” he said of the new licenses.
Tuesday’s announcement followed the launch of legal, app-based sports betting across the Empire State earlier this month.
Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon), chairman of the Standing Committee on Racing and Wagering, hailed Hochul’s plan.
“I love it!” he said.
“We can issue licenses this year and raise anywhere from $1 billion to $2 billion in revenues. There will be more jobs and income tax revenues. It’s a win-win-win.”
Casino operator Resorts World said in a statement: “Gaming in downstate New York is full of untapped potential and Gov. Hochul’s initiative to award additional casino licenses is a big step toward showcasing the state’s enormous promise.
“If granted a full casino license, we are uniquely positioned to immediately elevate our support for the state in a number of significant ways. On day one, we’ll be able to hire and train hundreds of new union members, generate significant additional revenue for public schools, and drive economic activity for local small businesses and the Queens community.”