In a bold move that could shape the future of gambling in New York City, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to expedite the process of selecting a casino operator for the city.
Addabbo, who chairs the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, has been a strong advocate for expanding gambling in the state in order to generate much needed revenue for local communities. With the recent announcement of Hochul’s plan to fast-track the selection process for a NYC casino operator, Addabbo sees an opportunity to bring the project to fruition sooner rather than later.
“I believe that now is the time to move forward with selecting a casino operator for New York City,” Addabbo said in a statement. “The city has been clamoring for a casino for years, and with the economic challenges we are facing, we cannot afford to delay any longer.”
The process of selecting a casino operator for New York City has been a lengthy and complicated one, with numerous potential contenders vying for the opportunity to build and operate a casino in the city. Addabbo believes that expediting the process will not only streamline the selection process, but also ensure that the chosen operator is able to begin construction and start generating revenue as soon as possible.
“It is crucial that we select a casino operator that is able to hit the ground running and start generating revenue for the city as soon as possible,” Addabbo explained. “By expediting the process, we can ensure that the chosen operator is able to begin construction quickly and maximize economic benefits for both the city and the state.”
As the chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, Addabbo has been a vocal proponent of expanding gambling in the state in order to generate revenue for local communities. He has introduced legislation to legalize online sports betting, mobile betting, and additional casino licenses in an effort to boost revenue and create jobs in the state.
With the potential for a casino to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city and create thousands of jobs for residents, Addabbo believes that expediting the selection process is key to maximizing the economic benefits of the project.
Governor Hochul has yet to respond to Addabbo’s request to expedite the process, but with the potential economic benefits of a NYC casino looming large, it is likely that she will give serious consideration to his proposal. As the city looks to rebound from the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the addition of a casino could be a welcome boost for local communities and businesses.
As Addabbo continues to push for the expedited selection process, all eyes will be on Governor Hochul to see if she will heed his call to action and move the NYC casino project forward. The future of gambling in New York City hangs in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming months could have a lasting impact on the city’s economic future.