Two New York lawmakers are voicing their frustrations over the slow progress in opening new casinos in the state, citing delays in the licensing process and the negative impact it is having on the economy.
State Senator Joe Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, both of whom chair the respective committees overseeing gambling in the state, have called for expedited action to move forward with the licensing of new casinos.
“The casino licensing process in New York has been plagued by delays and setbacks for far too long,” said Addabbo. “These delays are not only costing the state millions in potential revenue but are also hurting local businesses and communities that are eager to see new casinos open.”
Pretlow echoed Addabbo’s sentiments, expressing frustration with the slow pace of the process. “The longer we wait to open new casinos, the more money we are losing out on and the more opportunities we are missing to revitalize struggling communities,” he said.
The lawmakers pointed to a number of factors contributing to the delays, including legal challenges, political infighting, and bureaucratic red tape. They called on the state Gaming Commission to take swift action in resolving these issues and moving forward with the licensing of new casinos.
“We cannot continue to let these roadblocks stand in the way of progress,” said Addabbo. “The people of New York deserve better, and it is time for the Gaming Commission to step up and expedite the process so that new casinos can open and start generating revenue for the state.”
The lawmakers also emphasized the potential economic benefits of opening new casinos, citing job creation, increased tourism, and tax revenue as key reasons why the process needs to be expedited.
“We have seen the success of casinos in other states, and it is time for New York to seize this opportunity and reap the benefits that come with it,” said Pretlow. “We urge the Gaming Commission to act quickly and efficiently in order to bring much-needed economic growth to our state.”
In response to the lawmakers’ concerns, a spokesperson for the Gaming Commission stated that they are aware of the delays and are working diligently to address them. “We understand the importance of opening new casinos in a timely manner and are committed to resolving any issues that may be hindering the process,” the spokesperson said.
As New York continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and strives to rebuild its economy, the pressure is mounting on state officials to expedite the casino licensing process and unlock the economic potential that new casinos could bring. Addabbo and Pretlow’s calls for action serve as a reminder that time is of the essence, and swift action is needed to ensure that New York does not miss out on this valuable opportunity.
