New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has spoken out against the lengthy downstate casino licensing process, calling it “embarrassing” and criticizing the delays in bringing much-needed revenue to the state.
In a recent interview with Play NY, Sen. Addabbo, who chairs the Senate’s Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, expressed frustration with the slow progress of licensing a new casino in the downstate region, which includes New York City and its surrounding areas. The senator pointed out that the process has been mired in bureaucratic red tape and political maneuvering, leading to significant delays in selecting a suitable operator for the new casino.
“It’s embarrassing that it’s taken this long to get a downstate casino up and running,” Sen. Addabbo said. “We have the potential to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the state, create jobs, and boost tourism, but instead we’re stuck in limbo because of infighting and indecision.”
The downstate casino licensing process has been fraught with controversy since it was first proposed in 2013 as part of the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act. Initially, the legislation called for the establishment of four upstate casinos, with the possibility of adding up to three more in the downstate region at a later date.
However, seven years later, no downstate casinos have been licensed or built, despite clear interest from potential operators and strong support from local lawmakers and community leaders. The delays have been attributed to a variety of factors, including concerns about the impact of new casinos on existing gaming establishments, disagreements over the selection criteria for operators, and political infighting between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature.
Sen. Addabbo believes that the current stalemate can be resolved if all parties involved are willing to work together and compromise on key issues. He has proposed a number of solutions to expedite the licensing process, including streamlining the application and review process, providing clearer guidelines for candidates, and setting a firm deadline for selecting an operator.
“We cannot afford to continue dragging our feet on this issue,” Sen. Addabbo declared. “The longer we delay, the more revenue we lose, and the more opportunities we miss to revitalize our economy. It’s time for all stakeholders to come to the table and find a way forward.”
In the meantime, New York residents and visitors will have to wait patiently for the arrival of a new downstate casino, hoping that the state’s leaders can overcome their differences and make progress towards a brighter future.
