Siting a new NY casino could be complicated: Brooklyn, anyone?
ALBANY— Bet on complications in picking spots for new casinos in New York.
It has become clear since Gov. Andrew Cuomo in January proposed three upstate casinos in yet-to-be identified locations that there is a patchwork of conflicting interests when it comes to gambling in New York. Not only are state lawmakers pushing back at Cuomo’s proposal to let a commission dominated by his appointees take charge of siting, there are rumblings from potential competitors and questions from local officials.
“We’re known right now as a family-oriented resort. Do we want to be known as a gambling town?” asked Lake George Mayor Robert Blais.
The tourist-heavy area around Lake George and Saratoga Springs, 20 miles south, could be a candidate for a new casino. But a new casino could conflict with Saratoga Springs’ nationally-known thoroughbred track and the local harness track with video slot machines.