In a surprising turn of events, casino workers in New York City have taken a firm stance against a bill that would legalize online betting in the Empire State. The bill, which has been making its way through the state legislature, has been met with strong opposition from the city’s casino workers who fear that it will have a negative impact on their industry.
The bill, which was introduced by State Senator Joseph Addabbo, aims to legalize online sports betting in New York in an effort to increase revenue for the state and provide more options for gamblers. However, casino workers in the city have raised concerns that this move could hurt their jobs and lead to the closure of brick-and-mortar casinos in the area.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential impact that legalizing online betting could have on our jobs and our industry,” said Mary Johnson, a spokesperson for the New York Casino Workers Union. “We have already seen a decline in foot traffic at our casinos due to the pandemic, and we are worried that legalizing online betting will only exacerbate this issue.”
Johnson also pointed out that many casino workers rely on tips and bonuses for their livelihood, and that a decrease in foot traffic could result in a decrease in their earnings. She emphasized that the bill does not offer any protection or support for casino workers who may be negatively impacted by the legalization of online betting.
In addition to concerns about their jobs, casino workers are also worried about the potential increase in problem gambling that could result from the legalization of online betting. Studies have shown that online gambling can lead to addiction and financial hardship for some individuals, and casino workers fear that this could have a detrimental effect on their community.
Despite the opposition from casino workers, the bill to legalize online betting in New York City is still making its way through the state legislature. Proponents of the bill argue that it will bring much-needed revenue to the state and provide more options for gamblers who are looking to bet on sports online.
As the debate rages on, casino workers in New York City are left wondering what the future holds for their industry. Will the legalization of online betting lead to job losses and closures of brick-and-mortar casinos, or will it provide a much-needed boost to the state’s economy? Only time will tell.
