Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, Chair of the New York State Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, has been vocal about his frustrations with the delays in bringing full-scale gambling to downstate New York. In a recent interview, Pretlow expressed his disappointment with the slow progress in expanding gambling options outside of Upstate casinos.
Pretlow has been a longtime advocate for expanding gambling in New York, believing it will bring much-needed revenue to the state and create jobs. He has been pushing for the legalization of online sports betting and the construction of a casino in New York City for several years.
Despite his efforts, progress has been slow. The state legislature failed to pass a bill legalizing online sports betting last year, and Governor Andrew Cuomo has been hesitant to support a casino in New York City. This has led to frustration among lawmakers like Pretlow, who feel that New York is missing out on potential revenue by not fully embracing gambling.
Pretlow also criticized the delays in the approval process for licenses for new casinos in downstate New York. The Gaming Commission has been slow in issuing licenses, further delaying the opening of new gambling facilities in the area.
In response to these delays, Pretlow has vowed to continue pushing for the expansion of gambling in downstate New York. He believes that the economic benefits of bringing full-scale gambling to the region far outweigh any potential downsides.
“I will not stop fighting for the legalization of online sports betting and the construction of a casino in New York City,” Pretlow said. “We are missing out on opportunities for revenue and job creation, and it’s time for us to take action.”
Pretlow’s comments have reignited the debate over the expansion of gambling in New York. While some lawmakers are supportive of his efforts, others are concerned about the potential negative impacts of increased gambling in the state.
Regardless of the opposition, Pretlow remains determined to see his vision through. He plans to continue advocating for the expansion of gambling in downstate New York until it becomes a reality.
As the debate over full-scale gambling in downstate New York continues, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow will undoubtedly remain a central figure in the conversation. With his determination and passion for the issue, it seems likely that his efforts will eventually lead to significant changes in the state’s gambling landscape.
