ALBANY – The issue of whether or not New York State will be in the business of licensing casinos in areas of Upstate New York will go before voters this November.
On Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Upstate NY Gaming Economic Development Act, a comprehensive new law that would establish four destination gaming resorts in Upstate New York. The law will go into effect, pending approval of a referendum this fall.
According to the governor’s office, the new law will boost tourism and economic development in communities across the region. Under the casino gaming plan outlined in the new law, all localities in the state will share in increased education aid, or lower property taxes, no matter where the casinos are located.
The new law authorizes four upstate destination gaming resorts, although they can not be in competition with casinos already in operation by Native American tribes, including the Seneca Nation. As a result, there will be no new casinos developed in Western New York.
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