Zigun, citing Coney’s past, backs casino gambling
Borough President Marty Markowitz’s announcement Wednesday that he has put together a coalition of officials and community leaders to bring casino gambling to Coney Island is, in a sense, a “back to the future” move.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Coney Island Jockey Club’s three racetracks at Brighton Beach, Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay made Coney a mecca for gamblers, especially high rollers.
Not only was there “official,” legalized gambling, there was also unofficial bet-taking in the stands organized by bookies. And those who didn’t feeling like going to the track could bet on the races at shady hotels.