Gambling Bid Open
Gambling Board Gets a Single Casino Proposal After Reopening Bidding (NYT)New York State ’s consolation round of bidding for a casino license in the thinly populated Southern Tier, the impoverished region bordering Pennsylvania , got off to a lackluster start on Monday. * A Mission for Citi Bike: Recruiting More Female Cyclists (NYT) Women make up just under a third of the membership for the New York bike-share program, and persuading more to join is seen as vital to its success. * Women take about a quarter of all @CitiBikeNYC trips and make up just under a third of its members. (NYT)
Gambling Update
Resorts World Casino in Queens now dealing up electronic blackjack — after years of skill-based games being prohibited from New York gambling spots (NYDN) * 
More Info on Gambling
- The state Gaming Commission voted today to put proposed gaming licensing rules out for public comment, which means the state could issue casino licenses as soon as Sept. 30, Gannett Albany reports: http://goo.gl/XJ0zRX
NY Gambling Market Saturated Still Building 3 Casinos
Gambling sales down2% in New Yorkstate (NYDN) EXCLUSIVE: New York 's overall gambling sales dropped from $9.3 billion in 2013 to $9 billion in 2014, according to the New York State Lottery. The dip affected both lottery tickets and racetrack casinos. New York ’s gambling sales in 2014 dropped for the first time in years — potentially signaling a saturated market just as three upstate casinos are in development. “People have been predicting this for a long time,” said Stephen Shafer, chairman of the Coalition Against Gambling in New York . “Whether this foretells another year like it, I don’t know.” The dip affected traditional lottery games like Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto as well as most of the state’s racetrack casinos, according to state lottery data obtained by the Daily News. Overall gambling sales last year totaled a still-hefty $9 billion, a 2% drop from the record $9.3 billion in 2013, the figures show. Traditional games saw sales dip 2.2%, down to $7.2 billion. Sales of multistate big-jackpot games Powerball and Mega Millions dropped 43.5% and 11.8%, respectively.
Gambling Update
New York Gambling Board to Reconsider a Casino for the Southern Tier(NYT) In response to a letter from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the board agreed to seek a new round of proposals for the sparsely populated western region.* At the request of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the state Gaming Facilities Location board voted Tuesday to reopen bidding for a casino in the Southern Tier, but plans already submitted and rejected will be unlikely to make the cut, the Post-Standard reports: * NAACP-NY accused the state of engaging in discrimination by looking at bids to open a fourth casino in the mostly white Southern Tier region but not in the Newburgh area populated by mostly Blacks and Hispanics, the Post reports * Casino bidders used same law firm as Gaming Commission,which chose winning bids
New York Casinos’ Remote Homes Could Dampen Success(NYT) * Casino industry: Deep connections, potential conflicts
A state board’s recommendation that licenses for three upstate casino resorts be approved is getting mixed reviews from gambling analysts, urban planners, politicians and rival developers.
Monticello , a village in Sullivan County in upstate New York , is hoping that the $630 million Montreign Casino Resort project will create jobs and bring tourism. Decades ago, tourism in the area thrived until the hotel industry shut down, causing empty storefronts and a loss of jobs. State officials approved the new casino project last week, ending a long quest to bring gambling to the region.* New York Casinos’ Remote Homes Could Dampen Success(NYT) A state board’s recommendation that licenses for three upstate casino resorts be approved is getting mixed reviews from gambling analysts, urban planners, politicians and rival developers.* A state board’s recommendation that licenses for three upstate casino resorts be approved is getting mixed reviews from gambling analysts, urban planners, politicians and rival developers, The New York Times writes: * By not approving a casino in Orange County , which would have almost certainly attracted well-heeled gamblers from northern New Jersey as well as New York City , New York may have left itself with an unprotected flank in what is fast becoming a casino border war with New Jersey .* Cuomo Wants Casino Bidding Reopened for Southern Tier(WSJ) * Rensselaer Mayor Questions Schenectady’s Casino Win (YNN)* Rensselaer’s mayor asked Cuomo to reopen the casino siting process after a Schenectady bid was recommended for a license, and called on the siting board to share how it made the choice,State of Politicsreports: * The state Gaming Commission is “reviewing” a request from Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month to consider awarding a casino license in the Southern Tier after its selection of three licenses bypassed the region, the Times Union reports: * Casino Location Board ‘Willing To Entertain’ New Casino Proposals In Southern Tier(YNN) * NAACP claims Gaming Commission denies jobs to minorities(NYP) * Cuomo said he’s hoping new bids for a Southern Tier casino will produce “a blockbuster” project — otherwise the area may end up without one at all. “If only those past applications are resubmitted, which were failures in the first place, then nobody wins, he said.
NYS Gambling Picks Silver Wins
The location siting board recommended: Schenectady ’s Rivers Resort and Casino at Mohawk Harbor , Lago Resort in the Finger Lakes region community of Tyre and Genting’s Montreign Resort in Sullivan County Orange County where the most bids came from, State of Politicswrites: The decision shut out Orange County , which had been competing with several bid proposals, including a massive resort complex that would have sought to draw in New York City tourists. Officials at the gaming facility location board determined an Orange County New York ’s casino siting board recommended three winning bids, leaving 13 unlucky developers going home empty-handed. But some players enjoyed bigger wins or suffered more painful losses, so here’s who ended up with a winning hand—and who lost all their chips:(City and State)* A Sucker’s Game for New York(NYT Ed) Instead of three new casinos and two huge new slot parlors, how about some plans for responsible growth?
A group opposing a new casino in the Finger Lakes is strongly considering suing the Gaming Commission to halt the Lago Resort & Casino development in Seneca County Binghamton , is very upset about the treatment the Southern Tier received.* Board Backs Casinos in the Catskills, Near Albany and in Central New York * Catskills getting $630M casino after NY board's OK of 3(NYDN)* Catskills hits jackpot in New York casino sweepstakes(NYP) K.T. Lim, chairman of the Malysian-based Genting firm that runs the wildly successful Aqueduct racino and casinos across the globe, also is a winner. He is the majority owner of Empire and the Montreign.* New York Board Awards Casino Licenses(WSJ)* A $300 million casino and resort planned for an old industrial site along the Mohawk River in Schenectady got the initial green light as one of three gambling centers to be licensed by New York state. * Orange County , a coveted potential casino location due to its proximity to New York City , drew the most bidders but received no licenses, even though the projects there would likely have been the most profitable in the state. * “We concluded that a license award to any of the six Orange County proposals would present too great a risk of precluding success to Sullivan or Ulster County,” said Gaming Facility Location Board Chair Kevin Law. “We also concluded that granting licenses to two casinos within the Catskills would negatively impact each other.”* The recommendation to license a casino in Sullivan – the heart of the once-bustling “Borscht Belt” resort region – will test the premise that blackjack and craps can breathe new life in an old summer haven known in its heyday for families, mostly Jewish, arriving packed in station wagons to enjoy fast-talking comedians and other entertainment, a la “Dirty Dancing.” * The awarding of a casino in Seneca County New York casinos will benefit the host communities picked this week, but raised doubts about the health of the gambling industry and the long-term benefits, the DailyNews reports: * Sen. Tom Libous said he would be calling Cuomo this afternoon to ask for the fourth available casino license be awarded for a “true Southern Tier casino.”Saturday Quick start on $425M Finger Lakes casino(NYP)
Gambling and Lobbyists
New York City area are still maneuvering for position.* Genting’s $1.5 billion Sterling Forest plan is not only the most expensive of the 16 proposed gaming resorts competing for a New York license but also the most controversial, generating heated opposition from local activists and environmental groups.*The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board met for about three hours behind closed doors today as it’s expected to announce next week the winning bidders for up to four casino licenses in New York .*
Gambling and Lobbyists New York state plans to award its first full-scale casino licenses this week as Caesars Entertainment Corp. and Genting vie to build a gambling palace within an hour’s drive of the Big Apple’s 8.4 million residents. All told, there are 16 bidders for as many as four licenses.Long before the new casinos are licensed, built and opened, officials on Long Island areexpecting to reap a financial windfall from gamblers at new electronic slot machine parlors – known as “slots in a box” – in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
* Opponents of a massive casino at Sterling Forest in Orange County proposed by Malaysian gambling company Genting said they would file a series of lawsuits if a license is granted for it, Capital New York reports: http://goo.gl/3k20lX
BIDDING WARS: City & State takes a look at the 16 proposals for full-fledged casinos with a recap of the bids and the economic projections each operator is promising: http://goo.gl/EcdVXe
* New York has the opportunity to develop a “best in class” approach among U.S. states for the promotion of responsible gaming and the provision of problem gambling services to those in need, Caesars Entertainment Corporation’s Jan Jones Blackhurst writes in an op-ed for City & State: http://goo.gl/3Dx2N6
Gambling
The state Gaming Commission said its casino siting board will meet Tuesday, then again on Dec. 17 to announce its decisions on up to four casino licenses from among 16 competitors in three regions of the state, GannettAlbany reports: * The casino siting board will meet Tuesday, then again on Dec. 17 with its decisions announced then on up to four casino licenses from among 16 competitors in three regions of the state.
Gambling
Gambling Bid Open
Gambling Board Gets a Single Casino Proposal After Reopening Bidding (NYT)New York State ’s consolation round of bidding for a casino license in the thinly populated Southern Tier, the impoverished region bordering Pennsylvania , got off to a lackluster start on Monday. * A Mission for Citi Bike: Recruiting More Female Cyclists (NYT) Women make up just under a third of the membership for the New York bike-share program, and persuading more to join is seen as vital to its success. * Women take about a quarter of all @CitiBikeNYC trips and make up just under a third of its members. (NYT)
Gambling Update
Resorts World Casino in Queens now dealing up electronic blackjack — after years of skill-based games being prohibited from New York gambling spots (NYDN) *
- The state Gaming Commission voted today to put proposed gaming licensing rules out for public comment, which means the state could issue casino licenses as soon as Sept. 30, Gannett Albany reports: http://goo.gl/XJ0zRX
NY Gambling Market Saturated Still Building 3 Casinos
Gambling sales down2% in New Yorkstate (NYDN) EXCLUSIVE: New York 's overall gambling sales dropped from $9.3 billion in 2013 to $9 billion in 2014, according to the New York State Lottery. The dip affected both lottery tickets and racetrack casinos. New York ’s gambling sales in 2014 dropped for the first time in years — potentially signaling a saturated market just as three upstate casinos are in development. “People have been predicting this for a long time,” said Stephen Shafer, chairman of the Coalition Against Gambling in New York . “Whether this foretells another year like it, I don’t know.” The dip affected traditional lottery games like Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto as well as most of the state’s racetrack casinos, according to state lottery data obtained by the Daily News. Overall gambling sales last year totaled a still-hefty $9 billion, a 2% drop from the record $9.3 billion in 2013, the figures show. Traditional games saw sales dip 2.2%, down to $7.2 billion. Sales of multistate big-jackpot games Powerball and Mega Millions dropped 43.5% and 11.8%, respectively.
Gambling Update
New York Gambling Board to Reconsider a Casino for the Southern Tier(NYT) In response to a letter from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the board agreed to seek a new round of proposals for the sparsely populated western region.* At the request of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the state Gaming Facilities Location board voted Tuesday to reopen bidding for a casino in the Southern Tier, but plans already submitted and rejected will be unlikely to make the cut, the Post-Standard reports: * NAACP-NY accused the state of engaging in discrimination by looking at bids to open a fourth casino in the mostly white Southern Tier region but not in the Newburgh area populated by mostly Blacks and Hispanics, the Post reports * Casino bidders used same law firm as Gaming Commission,which chose winning bids
New York Casinos’ Remote Homes Could Dampen Success(NYT) * Casino industry: Deep connections, potential conflicts
A state board’s recommendation that licenses for three upstate casino resorts be approved is getting mixed reviews from gambling analysts, urban planners, politicians and rival developers.
NYS Gambling Picks Silver Wins
The location siting board recommended: Schenectady ’s Rivers Resort and Casino at Mohawk Harbor , Lago Resort in the Finger Lakes region community of Tyre and Genting’s Montreign Resort in Sullivan County Orange County where the most bids came from, State of Politicswrites: The decision shut out Orange County , which had been competing with several bid proposals, including a massive resort complex that would have sought to draw in New York City tourists. Officials at the gaming facility location board determined an Orange County New York ’s casino siting board recommended three winning bids, leaving 13 unlucky developers going home empty-handed. But some players enjoyed bigger wins or suffered more painful losses, so here’s who ended up with a winning hand—and who lost all their chips:(City and State)* A Sucker’s Game for New York(NYT Ed) Instead of three new casinos and two huge new slot parlors, how about some plans for responsible growth?
Gambling and Lobbyists
Sixteen casino developers continue to seek to burnish their competitive positions as an agency weighs bids for four gambling licenses and is expected to announce the chosen developers Dec. 17, The New York Times reports * Genting’s Sterling Forest proposal is not only the most expensive of the 16 proposed gaming resorts competing for a New York license but also the most controversial, generating heated opposition from local activists and environmental groups, theDaily News writes: * Although the lengthy casino siting review process has all but drawn to a close and a decision will be announced Dec. 17, the 16 developers competing for licenses outside of the New York City area are still maneuvering for position.* Genting’s $1.5 billion Sterling Forest plan is not only the most expensive of the 16 proposed gaming resorts competing for a New York license but also the most controversial, generating heated opposition from local activists and environmental groups.*The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board met for about three hours behind closed doors today as it’s expected to announce next week the winning bidders for up to four casino licenses in New York .*
* Opponents of a massive casino at Sterling Forest in Orange County proposed by Malaysian gambling company Genting said they would file a series of lawsuits if a license is granted for it, Capital New York reports: http://goo.gl/3k20lX
BIDDING WARS: City & State takes a look at the 16 proposals for full-fledged casinos with a recap of the bids and the economic projections each operator is promising: http://goo.gl/EcdVXe
* New York has the opportunity to develop a “best in class” approach among U.S. states for the promotion of responsible gaming and the provision of problem gambling services to those in need, Caesars Entertainment Corporation’s Jan Jones Blackhurst writes in an op-ed for City & State: http://goo.gl/3Dx2N6
Gambling
The state Gaming Commission said its casino siting board will meet Tuesday, then again on Dec. 17 to announce its decisions on up to four casino licenses from among 16 competitors in three regions of the state, GannettAlbany reports: * The casino siting board will meet Tuesday, then again on Dec. 17 with its decisions announced then on up to four casino licenses from among 16 competitors in three regions of the state.
Gambling
Beset by crushing debt, fleeing customers and run-down facilities, Trump Plaza became the fourth casino in Atlantic City to shut down this year.
Gambling Picks in NY
Gambling More on Gambling
NY casino reviewswill continue at least 11 more days (YNN)
Gambling Picks in NY
A state official said he expects the announcement of the winning casino bids on Dec. 17, when the board reviewing the applications meets for the last time, the AssociatedPress reports:
* The Incredible Shrinking Action in Atlantic City(NYT ED)
* The Incredible Shrinking Action in Atlantic City(NYT ED)
The once-thriving casinos continue a long, painful slide from the glory days of the 1970s. The Trump Taj Mahal may be the next to close.* The Gaming Commission’s casino site selection decisions should not be unduly influenced by politicians, but based on community support, economic viability of the projects, and the need of the host communities for economic development, theTimes Union writes:
More Bribe $$$ For BribeAlbany
Gambling Developers Make Presentations in Albany as They Vie for Licenses(NYT)
New York State’s casino bidding entered its beauty-pageant phase, with the first seven contestants presenting plans to a state panel that will help award up to four full-scale licenses this year.
Its A Gamble But Pols and Contributions Are 777
Even as casino fever is intensifying near New York City, in Atlantic City, where the industry was once thriving, the picture is much bleaker.
Revel, Atlantic City’s Newest and Largest Casino, Is Closing http://nyti.ms/1osNZl5
* One company bidding to build a casino in the Southern Tier is asking for more than $2.8 million in sales tax breaks and $1.1 million in mortgage recording tax exemptions, Gannett reports: http://goo.gl/2W9BF5
* Several casino bidders who say their proposed projects would help revitalize upstate communities are also seeking tens of millions of dollars in local property tax breaks, Capital New York writes: http://goo.gl/Ig2VBX
Will the Pols and Lobbyists Make More $$$ From Gambling Than the State?
Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli says in a report to be released on Friday that the economic benefits from expanded gambling in New York may be uneven.* * Casino expansion in upstate New York could have an uneven impact, with economic gains potentially offset by job losses elsewhere, according to a report to be released today by the state comptroller, the Times writes:
More on Gambling and Their Lobbyists
Give Us A Gambling Franchise and A Take Break
And You Thought the Purpose of Allowing Casinos in NY Was to Raise Money for the State
Give us the franchise AND a subsidy! Casino bidders seeklocal property tax breaks via @capitalnewyork
Why Are Gambling Interests Spending Millions to Build Casinos in NY When Betting is Dying in Atlantic City?
Caesars Entertainment Corp. said Friday that it plans to close the Showboat casino-hotel in Atlantic City, dealing another blow to a seaside resort wrestling with growing competition in the region's gambling market.* * A spokeswoman for Yonkers Raceway, home to Empire City CasinoGannett Albany reports:
17 Companies File Casino Plans With New York State in Push for 4 Gambling Licenses(NYT)* Total of 17 Bids Submitted for N.Y. Casino Licenses (WSJ) * * Despite 17 prospective casino developers submitting applications for four upstate gaming licenses, a report from Moody’s Investors Service on the national gaming industry changed its previous “stable” outlook to “negative,” the Times Union writes:
Gambling Lobbyists 777
Casino bidders spend $11M on lobbying and legislators(Capital) Companies bidding for the casinos have retained 31 different lobbying firms since 2012, and recent filings with the state’s ethics commission show that many of the bidders have retained lobbyists for the first time in New York State.Empire Resorts inked a $545 per hour contract with GCA Capital Group to lobby on its behalf. Howe Caverns signed a $12,000 per month deal with Park Strategies, Al D’Amato’s lobbying firm, for April to July 2014.Wilmorite and Rush Street Gaming both signed $15,000 per month contracts with lobbyists—Brown & Weinraub and Bolton St. Johns, respectively— for their casino projects. Companies involved in bidding for casino licenses in New York spent nearly $11 million on lobbying and campaign donations in 2012 and 2013, and are donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to campaign committees through holding companies, according to a new report from the NYPIRG.* Why NY lawmakers won't close the LLC fundraising loopholequite yet: They are raking in major $ from casino cos:
A group funded by casino companies, business groups and labor unions called New York Jobs Now spent $1.9 million supporting the ballot referendum.
Casino lobbying is big money in NY: study(NYDN)The big winner among lobbying firms: Patricia Lynch Associates, which raked in nearly $856,000 in compensation and expenses from bidders and their allies.
On the receiving end, per the report, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's campaign committee pulled in $66,000; Gov. Cuomo's committee, $55,000; and on the GOP side, Friends of Rob Astorino took in more than $43,000.
When it came to campaign contributions the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee received $199,500, while Senate Republicans received $113,500. The soft-money or “housekeeping” accounts for the the Assembly Democrats also received $77,500 from casino interests, while Senate Republicans were also given $77,500 in soft money funds.
Among elected officials, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s re-election campaign received the most funds, $66,000.
Report NYPIRG Casino Money
As Money Flows in NY Atlantic City Dies
Boardwalk blues.... Atlantic City feels heat of gamblingcompetition, faces dire straits: (USA Today)* The casino industry in Atlantic City is in free f
Caesars Entertainment Corp. said Friday that it plans to close the Showboat casino-hotel in Atlantic City, dealing another blow to a seaside resort wrestling with growing competition in the region's gambling market.* * A spokeswoman for Yonkers Raceway, home to Empire City CasinoGannett Albany reports:
17 Companies File Casino Plans With New York State in Push for 4 Gambling Licenses(NYT)* Total of 17 Bids Submitted for N.Y. Casino Licenses (WSJ) * * Despite 17 prospective casino developers submitting applications for four upstate gaming licenses, a report from Moody’s Investors Service on the national gaming industry changed its previous “stable” outlook to “negative,” the Times Union writes:
17 Companies File Casino Plans With New York State in Push for 4 Gambling Licenses(NYT)* Total of 17 Bids Submitted for N.Y. Casino Licenses (WSJ) * * Despite 17 prospective casino developers submitting applications for four upstate gaming licenses, a report from Moody’s Investors Service on the national gaming industry changed its previous “stable” outlook to “negative,” the Times Union writes:
Casino bidders spend $11M on lobbying and legislators(Capital) Companies bidding for the casinos have retained 31 different lobbying firms since 2012, and recent filings with the state’s ethics commission show that many of the bidders have retained lobbyists for the first time in New York State.Empire Resorts inked a $545 per hour contract with GCA Capital Group to lobby on its behalf. Howe Caverns signed a $12,000 per month deal with Park Strategies, Al D’Amato’s lobbying firm, for April to July 2014.Wilmorite and Rush Street Gaming both signed $15,000 per month contracts with lobbyists—Brown & Weinraub and Bolton St. Johns, respectively— for their casino projects. Companies involved in bidding for casino licenses in New York spent nearly $11 million on lobbying and campaign donations in 2012 and 2013, and are donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to campaign committees through holding companies, according to a new report from the NYPIRG.* Why NY lawmakers won't close the LLC fundraising loopholequite yet: They are raking in major $ from casino cos:
A group funded by casino companies, business groups and labor unions called New York Jobs Now spent $1.9 million supporting the ballot referendum.
Casino lobbying is big money in NY: study(NYDN)The big winner among lobbying firms: Patricia Lynch Associates, which raked in nearly $856,000 in compensation and expenses from bidders and their allies.
On the receiving end, per the report, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's campaign committee pulled in $66,000; Gov. Cuomo's committee, $55,000; and on the GOP side, Friends of Rob Astorino took in more than $43,000.
When it came to campaign contributions the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee received $199,500, while Senate Republicans received $113,500. The soft-money or “housekeeping” accounts for the the Assembly Democrats also received $77,500 from casino interests, while Senate Republicans were also given $77,500 in soft money funds.
Among elected officials, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s re-election campaign received the most funds, $66,000.
Report NYPIRG Casino Money
As Money Flows in NY Atlantic City Dies
A group funded by casino companies, business groups and labor unions called New York Jobs Now spent $1.9 million supporting the ballot referendum.
Casino lobbying is big money in NY: study(NYDN)The big winner among lobbying firms: Patricia Lynch Associates, which raked in nearly $856,000 in compensation and expenses from bidders and their allies.
On the receiving end, per the report, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's campaign committee pulled in $66,000; Gov. Cuomo's committee, $55,000; and on the GOP side, Friends of Rob Astorino took in more than $43,000.
When it came to campaign contributions the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee received $199,500, while Senate Republicans received $113,500. The soft-money or “housekeeping” accounts for the the Assembly Democrats also received $77,500 from casino interests, while Senate Republicans were also given $77,500 in soft money funds.
Among elected officials, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s re-election campaign received the most funds, $66,000.
Report NYPIRG Casino Money
As Money Flows in NY Atlantic City Dies
Boardwalk blues.... Atlantic City feels heat of gamblingcompetition, faces dire straits: (USA Today)* The casino industry in Atlantic City is in free f
* A civil-rights lawyer has filed a lawsuit to block the operator of the Aqueduct slots parlor from opening a massive Sterling Forest resort casino in Tuxedo—just 40 miles from Manhattan, the Post reports: http://goo.gl/bF6L3O
Cuomo: Private Market Will Guide Casino Success(YNN)
NYT Does Not Understand that Casinos in NY Are All About Campaign Contributions and Money for Lobbyists
Gambling on Casinos in New York(NYT Ed) The state is ramping up its gambling business, but that may not be an easy answer to financial problems.
* Casino license bidders are marketing their projects aggressively to the state, touting the power to retain young people, transform regions and set economic models upside down, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/WwjSvv
* The state Gaming Commission appointed attorney Dennis Glazer and Long Island Association President and CEO Kevin Law to its casino siting board, both of whom have ties to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, State of Politics reports: http://goo.gl/Q8rvRH
* Companies involved in bidding for casino licenses in New York spent nearly $11 million on lobbying and campaign donations in 2012 and 2013, according to a report from the New York Public Interest Research Group, Capital New York writes: http://goo.gl/K823ch
* However, 15 of the 16 communities under consideration to host a casino fall below the 50,000-person population threshold necessary to require lobbyists to disclose their spending to influence local officials, State of Politics reports: http://goo.gl/2qtO4I
Albany's lobbying elite win big on a sure thing: casinos http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/07/8548410/casino-bidders-spend-11m-lobbying-and-legislators …
Moody’s casino blues(NYP) Only a few weeks ago, Gov. Cuomo was raving about Moody’s Investors Service after it upgraded New York’s bond rating to its highest level in half a century. “With these ratings agencies,” he said, “it is just pure on-the-facts, on-the-merits.”
Well, the same rating agency whose credibility the governor extolled is just out with a new report. And it essentially questions the wisdom of the governor’s bet on casinos as an economic driver for Upstate.
The report came the day after the state received 17 formal bids for Upstate casino licenses. In it, Moody’s changed its national long-term outlook for the gaming industry from stable to negative.
The reasons: Weaker demand coupled with an oversupply of casinos has led to “a fundamental downward shift” in the gambling industry. Add to that high fixed costs, and Moody’s finds that, with the exception of Las Vegas, casinos across the country are facing a “cannibalizing effect.”
We’ve long been dubious of the government’s claim that casinos are a sure-fire jump-start for economically depressed areas such as the Catskills. Once upon a time, it might have worked. But as Moody’s reports, the numbers today aren’t there.
Gambling
Casino advocates in the Town of Thompson have been fighting for Las Vegas-style gambling for years, but are now bracing for more disappointment after two groups abandoned their plans to bid on casino licenses in the Catskills, citing competition from Orange County.
The contracts negotiated by HTC, the major union expected to organize upstate gambling houses, suggest that developers are not blowing smoke about annual average salaries of more than $40,000 for casino and hotel workers.
A bill is awaiting Cuomo’s signature that would allow racetrack casinos to stay open until 6 a.m.
* During the last fiscal year, New York state’s nine racinos and lottery ticket sales produced $4.93 billion in revenue after winnings were subtracted, the Daily News reports: http://goo.gl/SHPrcV
* The Rensselaer Common Council gave Rochester developer David Flaum the local approval he needs in the competition for a Capital Region casino license, cementing a move in which Flaum abandoned his bid for an Albany casino, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/Y7Jkr7
* The developer Trading Cove New York is dropping a plan to build a casino in the Town of Thompson, Sullivan County, citing the growing competition for a casino in neighboring Orange County, Gannett Albany reports: http://goo.gl/XsgbqF
* The Times Union writes that with a new report showing that new New York casinos are likely to face competition from nearby states and that casinos in other states are struggling, communities need to carefully consider whether they are worth the risk: http://goo.gl/823aPs
NYS spends a quarter-billion dollars a year encouraging people to gamble. http://wnyt.com/article/stories/s3457355.shtml …
* The state, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and St. Lawrence County reached an agreement resolving land disputes and finalizing the distribution of millions of dollars in gambling revenue to regional communities, the Associated Press reports: http://goo.gl/sS1UfH
* The Seneca Nation of Indians plans to apply for a casino license for a former IBM country club in Broome County, making the tribe the only in-state one to try to break into the state’s new gaming market, the Times Union writes: http://goo.gl/Vj36UQ
* Michael Treanor, the Nevele Casino and Resort CEO who is looking to build a casino in the Catskills, has been reinstated after stepping down from his position following reports that he allegedly sexually attacked his sister, the Post reports: http://goo.gl/jKY2ww
.* Pinnacle Entertainment and Rolling Hills Entertainment dropped their bids for a New York casino license, and the state refunded each bidder’s $1 million application fee, Gannett Albany reports: http://goo.gl/EUxVXc
.
Gambling Lobbyists Hit Jackpot . . .
NYT Names Gambling Lobbyist Connected to Cuomo . . . What About the Lobbyists Connect to Silver and others?
* The Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma would be the operators of a proposed Albany casino envisioned near Exit 23 of the Thruway, according to Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/EsgVUe
Woodbury, NY - Casinos Pitched Near New York City Worry Catskills http://www.vosizneias.com/164873/2014/05/18/new-york-casinos-pitched-near-new-york-city-worry-catskills/ …
The company that owns Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, is teaming up with a track to pursue a full-fledged casino in East Greenbush.
As nearly two dozen companies ramp up their bids to build one of four casinos in upstate New York, developers are aggressively courting local legislators and residents with promises of new jobs and an economic windfall.
SETTING THE ANTE -- Laura Nahmias: On Monday, the state’s Gaming Facilities Location Board announced new requirements for minimum capital investments by casino developers — the multimillion dollar floor any bidder looking to build a full-scale casino in the state will have to invest in order to receive a casino license. At the higher end of the scale, proposed casinos in Orange and Dutchess Counties would require at least a $350 million minimum investment, a relatively easy hurdle for the industry giants like Genting and Caesar’s who have expressed interest in building there. In poorer parts of the state, like the Southern Tier, the minimums are much lower — between $70 and $85 million for most counties. http://goo.gl/Extuiy
Lobbying loophole obscures local
$350 Million Investment Needed to Open Casino Closest to New York City, Panel Says(NYT)
* Developers looking to build one of
four upstate casinos will have to make a minimum investment of between
$70 and $350 million, and bidders now have five days to withdraw a $1
million fee, Gannett Albany reports: http://goo.gl/9oQWo7
A state panel announced capital requirements less than three weeks after
22 entities submitted applications fees of $1 million to be considered
as a full-scale casino operator.
NYS casino board sets minimums for capital investments— $350 million for Dutchess and Orange Counties http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/05/8545188/casino-board-sets-capital-minimums-proposals …
Minimum casino investments state will require in Southern Tier counties much lower— at ~ $85 million
Gaming Commission Sets Minimum Capital Investments For Casinos(YNN)
Caesars weighs closing Atlantic City casinos http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/201405
The politically-connected gravy train flow$$$$$$: Bidders Lining Up Lobbyists in Fight for New York Casinos
NYT Lobbyists Connected to Cuomo
Bidders Lining Up Lobbyists in Fight for New York Casinos(NYT)
A casino license, particularly within a leisurely drive of New York
City, could be a golden ticket to billions in profits in one of the last
underdeveloped gambling markets in the nation. In the first two months
of this year, the 22 bidders and the New York
Gaming Association, a trade group for the nine racetracks that already
have video lottery terminals, spent a total of about $400,000 on hiring
prominent lobbyists, according to an analysis by the New York Public
Interest Research Group. That spending came on top of $6 million in
lobbying by the same interests in 2012 and 2013, leading up to the statewide referendum last November that authorized up to seven new casinos.
Team Cuomo Knows How to Do Pay to Play Gambling Legally, Not the AEG Gang
Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat who is seeking a second term this fall, received
$55,000 in donations from bidders or entities controlled by bidders,
according to the analysis. Rob Astorino, his likely Republican opponent,
received $43,500 toward his re-election last year as Westchester County
executive. Patrick E. Brown, who worked in the administration of Mr. Cuomo’s father, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, is representing the Wilmorite, a developer that wants to build a casino near Syracuse, and another entity working on a project in the Catskills.
After more than 14 months without a voice on the New York Gaming Commission, the Assembly and Senate are taking steps to place designees on the panel that will issue casino licenses later this year.
NY’s Big Bet Part One: Locating A Casino(YNN)
* The Assembly and state Senate are taking steps to give themselves a voice on the New York Gaming Commission by advancing the names of former Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza and an Albany-area lawyer as designees on the panel, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/evAYdH
Orange County, about 40 miles northwest of New York City, wasn’t being talked about much as a place for Vegas-style gambling during Albany’s drive last year to expand the number of casinos in the state. Now five proposals have been floated to build there – more than any other county.
Local politician: Casino boss accused of incest should be axed(NYP)
A proposed casino development is in Tuxedo — only 41 miles away from New York City.
The Gambling Final 22
22 Entities Submit Casino Bids(YNN) * 22 applicants attempt to win state’s first casino licenses: officials(NYDN)
Queens was the future(Capital) Will Genting’s cutting-edge racino miss out on New York’s casino boom?
Back to the Future Sharpton D’Amato Gambling Joint, AEG II?
Whoa. This is Heavy Doc, Marty McFly
Al Sharpton pal wants to open $400M NY casino(NYP)A controversial Alabama gambling operator who boasts of his ties to Al Sharpton wants to open a $400 million resort casino at Stewart Airport — just 60 miles north of the Big Apple. Luther “Nat” Winn, CEO of Greenetrack Inc., serves as a board member of Sharpton’s National Action Network. For his part, Sharpton, in a recent Post interview, insisted he had nothing to do with Winn’s New York gambling venture and was not playing holy roller for a casino. “I don’t know anything about that,” Sharpton said of Greenetrack’s casino bid. “They haven’t talked to me about it.” Greenetrack has strong New York political connections. Charlie King, a former executive director at both Sharpton’s NAN and the state Democratic Party, is a Greenetrack lobbyist. Juanita Scarlett, a member of Al D’Amato’s Park Strategies firm who used to work for Mario Cuomo and Eliot Spitzer, is the group’s publicist.
Cuomo admin lawyer Mylan Denerstein in a memo warned staff to avoid casino lobbyists, developers during RFA process http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2014/04/cuomo-
* Roughly two dozen prospective casino developers sent their $1 million bidding fees for a casino license in time to meet Wednesday’s deadline, including various groups eying developing in the Capital Region, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/1eTR6J
* Malaysian-based gambling company Genting, which already operates a racetrack casino in Queens, paid its $1 million application fee in a bid to open a casino north of New York City, Crain’s reports: http://goo.gl/0x10ck
* A mandatory public meeting for casino bidders wasn’t attended in person by the state gaming officials, and no bidders’ questions were answered, leaving them to wonder why it was held, Capital New York reports: http://goo.gl/M8wsgd
Caesars Making Bid for Casino in Upstate New York(NYT)
Whoa. This is Heavy Doc, Marty McFly
Al Sharpton pal wants to open $400M NY casino(NYP)A controversial Alabama gambling operator who boasts of his ties to Al Sharpton wants to open a $400 million resort casino at Stewart Airport — just 60 miles north of the Big Apple. Luther “Nat” Winn, CEO of Greenetrack Inc., serves as a board member of Sharpton’s National Action Network. For his part, Sharpton, in a recent Post interview, insisted he had nothing to do with Winn’s New York gambling venture and was not playing holy roller for a casino. “I don’t know anything about that,” Sharpton said of Greenetrack’s casino bid. “They haven’t talked to me about it.” Greenetrack has strong New York political connections. Charlie King, a former executive director at both Sharpton’s NAN and the state Democratic Party, is a Greenetrack lobbyist. Juanita Scarlett, a member of Al D’Amato’s Park Strategies firm who used to work for Mario Cuomo and Eliot Spitzer, is the group’s publicist.
Cuomo admin lawyer Mylan Denerstein in a memo warned staff to avoid casino lobbyists, developers during RFA process http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2014/04/cuomo-
* Roughly two dozen prospective casino developers sent their $1 million bidding fees for a casino license in time to meet Wednesday’s deadline, including various groups eying developing in the Capital Region, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/1eTR6J
* Malaysian-based gambling company Genting, which already operates a racetrack casino in Queens, paid its $1 million application fee in a bid to open a casino north of New York City, Crain’s reports: http://goo.gl/0x10ck
* A mandatory public meeting for casino bidders wasn’t attended in person by the state gaming officials, and no bidders’ questions were answered, leaving them to wonder why it was held, Capital New York reports: http://goo.gl/M8wsgd
Caesars Making Bid for Casino in Upstate New York(NYT)
The gambling company, based in Las Vegas, is seeking one of the four
licenses that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has pushed as a way to revive the
state’s economy.
Saratoga Springs casino opponents can relax: Feathers is putting all his chips on East Greenbush. http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Racino-owners-cross-the-river-5417980.php …
* The New York Gaming Corp. is expected to receive several $1 million wire transfers this week from gaming interests looking to obtain casino licenses, with as many as two of the transfers possibly coming from an unusual joint partnership, the Times Union’s Jim Odato writes: http://goo.gl/HlRwV
* The owners of the Saratoga Casino and
Raceway abandoned their plan to turn the current racino into a full
casino, opting instead to pursue a casino in Rensselaer County, the
Times Union writes: http://goo.gl/8vaFz0
Saratoga racing owners vie to build local casino(NYP)* The same state judge also upheld as constitutional the state’s tax-free zones and its plan to build private casinos, in response to another lawsuit from Schulz, Gannett Albany reports:
Albany's Gambling $$$ Toll Booth
Rivals for New York Casino Licenses Must Pay Millions to Play(NYT)
It will take a fortune just to open the doors of a full-scale casino
resort in New York, starting with a $1 million nonrefundable application
fee. * The multiple developers seeking
casino licenses will have to shell out big money to obtain one,
including $1 million to apply and $70 million for the actual license * A bill from state Senate Racing,
Wagering and Gaming Committee Chair John Bonacic would legalize, license
and tax online poker in New York, though the lawmaker said he doesn’t
expect it to pass this year, the Associated Press writes:
Online Gambling Off to Tepid Start(WSJ)
* Gaming industry insiders have begun to wonder if an off-track betting corporation can be a partner in a casino team, something that the state’s Gaming Commission acting director said he had not looked into, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/Hk21mxAtlantic City casino earnings fell 35 percent in 2013 http://dlvr.it/5LHYyG
New York is forging ahead with its casino plans even though gambling revenue is down across the country and other states are facing a saturation point with local gaming facilities.
Our wake-up scoop: James Featherstonhuagh is stepping down from the NY Gaming Association to focus on casino bid http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/04/8543130/featherstonhaugh-steps-down-gaming-association …
A Long Shot on the Horses(WSJ)
A facelift at Aqueduct is part of $8.5 million in upgrades recently announced by the track's operating body, the New York Racing Association, to be spread across its three properties.
Whoa, missed this earlier. The developer behind the Nevele casino pleaded guilty to the assault of his sister in '07 http://nypost.com/2014/05/01/casino-big-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-his-sister/ …
Poll By MGM, Caesar’s Finds Support For Online Poker(YNN)
Casino Developers Bet On the Catskills(WSJ)The dream of gambling in the Catskills is set to take a big step forward Monday when a state board opens the licensing process for four upstate casinos.
* Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, a Chicago law firm with gambling law specialists, was selected as the consultant for the state board that will select casino bids in upstate New York, the Times Union reports:
Empire Resorts Unveils Plan for $750 Million Casino in Catskills(NYT)
Gambling Update Fight for the $$$
Rochester casino developer David Flaum
and his son Asher, who are proposing an Albany casino, also have
proposals in other parts of the state, including in Orange County just
50 miles from New York City, the Times reports: * As NY plans casino expansion, revenue drops at Indian casinos
$59 Million Spent on Gambling Lobbying in NY Since 2005 ...
Catskills builders ready to roll dice on casino(NYP)Lawsuit filed over upstate casino arrangement(CrainsNY)
* An off-track betting corporation filed an ethics complaint with the state against a Rochester casino developer and the Seneca Nation of Indians, charging that the developer engaged in lobbying though he isn’t a registered lobbyist, the Times Union reports:
Upstate, Opposition to a Casino Is a Surprise(NYT)Former Racing & Wagering Board Chair John Sabini on the rapidly escalating casino battle: “As it moves forward, there’ll be no shortage of bad blood, sniping and hired guns.”
Hotel union gets an agreement for proposed casinos(Capital)
Newcomers in Bidding Fight for Catskills Casino Weigh Site Closer to New York City(NYT)
As developers focus on Orange County, which critics say needs an
economic boost less than other parts of the state, competition and
tension are mounting.
_____________________________________
Gambling Dark Pool $$$
Gambling Follow the Money If You Can
A growing number of casino developers
are scrutinizing locations and drafting proposals for upstate casinos,
with state officials saying that bids would be due by mid-2014 and
licenses awarded in the second half of the year, The New York Times writes: New York Jobs Now Committee took in $1.425,000 but only spent $360,000 according to the State Board of Elections filings. Stu
Loeser: The former press secretary for Mayor Mike Bloomberg helped lead NY Jobs Now, a coalition
of pro-casino interests,
in advocating for the constitutional amendment that passed Tuesday, yet
there is no record of him being paid. The State BOE is know for its
poor campaign filing system and the fact that it has nobody
investigating improper filings or fraud. We do know that gambling
interests contributed to New York Jobs Now: Monticello' Empire Resorts
$125,000, Genting New York $500,000, Saratoga Harness Racing $250,000,
Yonkers Racing Corporation $500,000.* NY casinos poised to explode after 'yes' vote(NYDN)
* A day after voters approved a New York state constitutional amendment
allowing up to seven commercially operated casinos, investors were already placing their bets on where the gambling palaces might be located
Atlantic City and Las Vegas facing major collapse
.* Many developers are expected to wait until New York City opens up as a potential site for casinos * While Proposal 1 coasted to approval statewide, buoyed by large victories on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley, Capital Region voters sent a far less enthusiastic message. * New York’s gaming win is a loss for its neighbors that already have casinos.* conference members despite numerous problems in recent months. Former Lobbying Commission Executive Director David Grandeau accuses Moreland Commission members of actively raising campaign cash from people it’s investigating.*Dark Money Groups Fund Dark Money Groups That Fund Dark Money Groups That Fund...(Huff Post) * New Jersey Now Allows Gambling via Internet(NYT) * In the Post, the Manhattan Institute’s Nicole Gelinas uses Massachusetts as an example of how casino legislation has failed to take hold with the general public, warning that the same could happen in New York *
Does the TU Think Gambling and Race Track Interests Contributed Big Bucks for More School Aid, Jobs and Lower Taxes? There were a lot of promises made by lawmakers in
regard to the expansion of casino gambling, including more school aid, jobs, and lower taxes, and the Times Union writes that New Yorkers should insist they be kept:
_____________________________________
Gambling
High-stakes poker: Pataki v D'Amato on Internet Gambling
Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, a top donor during the 2012 presidential cycle, has hired former Gov. George Pataki to fight Internet gambling.
Atlantic City casinos Q3 operating profits down 8.1 percent
At least three groups plan to bid on a casino in the Southern Tier, ranging from a $150 million resort casino at Traditions at the Glen to a $25 to $50 million Binghamton-area casino, Gannett reports: http://press.sn/17XPWPB
* Cuomo is calling for Hobart and William Smith College President Mark Gearan to chair the New York Gaming Commission, which will be involved with the casino development the governor addressed in his State of the State, the Times Union reports: http://bit.ly/1lDJrVh
__________________________________________________________________________________
Gambling
Gambling
Strange Anti-Gambling Team
The unlikely duo of Democratic state Sen. Liz Krueger and state Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long plan to begin an outreach campaign opposing a ballot measure that would expand casino gaming in the state,Casino Opposition Comes Together(WSJ) * ‘Vote With (Mario) Cuomo, Vote No On Prop. 1′ A new ad released today by the Committee Against Proposition 1 quotes Mario Cuomo calling casino gambling “economically regressive to a state and a community” and a mechanism to merely redistribute wealth, not generate it. The former governor wrote those words in “The New York Idea: An Experiment in Democracy,” which was published in 1994 – the year he lost his bid for a fourth term to a little-known Republican state senator named George Pataki.* Developers Vie to Build New Casinos in Catskills(NYT) * Casinos’ ugly impact(NYP Ed) * Atlantic City casinos say their property values are dropping and they are seeking lower taxes * Lessons from Atlantic City Part Deux(YNN) * Las
expansion amendment.* Ferrer Robocall:Casinos A ‘Win-Win For Our Community’(YNN) * NY Jobs Now Rakes In Out-Of-State Cash(YNN)_____________________________________
Gambling Bags of Cash
The Winners In where the 7 Casinos Will Go Are the Lobbyists and Pols Who Will Hit the Jack Pot in Campaign Contributions
Gambling Winner on Election Day
Genting: The Malaysian gambling giant won big with the passage of the amendment legalizing casinos in New York. It kicked in at least $750,000 towards the efforts, and its investors are now likely to land one of the four initial casino licenses, for an expanded venue at Monticello Raceway in Sullivan County. In seven years, when a casino could come to New York City, the company's already profitable Aqueduct racino in southeast Queens would be the leading contender to nab the license.* Cuomo said a request for proposals for new casinos will be out in several months, with the state prepared to make a decision about siting by the second half of 2014, Gannett Albany writes:
As Half of Atlantic City Closes Down Why Are So Many Interested In Opening Gambling in NY?
Casino Applications Flow In(YNN) More than a dozen gaming entities are submitting literally tons of paperwork to state regulators today to vie for casino licenses in the first round of siting.The applications require nearly 200 pieces of information including an explanation as to a cons
Att New Yorkers: Casino Revenues Well Below What Was Promised To Voters http://bit.ly/1cqEvlr
* The state Senate approved Hobart and William and Smith Colleges President Mark Gaeran as the new chairman of the state Gaming Commission, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/CYrbkp
More on Gambling and lobbyists
__________________________________________________________________________________
NYT Vote No On Gambling
The state Public Interest Research Group and Common Cause NY raised questions about the wording of the ballot referendum on casino expansion as well as a pro-casino PAC made up of gambling companies, the Times Union reports *NY’s Big Bet: The Economic Impact(YNN) Supporters of bringing commercial casinos to New York State don’t want voters to think of slot machines, black jack tables, or roulette wheels. They want voters to think about jobs and schools.* NY casino measure: A sucker’s bet(NYP) * NY’s Big Bet: The Money Behind The Casino Campaign(YNN) * In New Pro-Casino Ads, ‘Casinos’ Mentioned Once(YNN) * Liberal Liz Krueger And Conservative Mike Long Join Forces To Battle Gambling
RABBIS AGAINST CASINOS — “This is a community that votes in a bloc … you now have to make up several thousand voters — Capital's Dana Rubinstein: Prominent rabbis are signing petitions denouncing the referendum on expanding gambling in the state. http://goo.gl/VUxHj4
Who Writes the Language for Ballot Measures
State Sen. John DeFrancisco introduced a bill that would give the state Legislature the power to write the language for ballot measures, including changes to the state constitution, taking editing decisions away from the Board of Elections, the Times Union reports
New poll finds comfortable support in boroughs — New York Times' Thomas Kaplan: A survey found six in 10 likely voters in New York City support a constitutional amendment to legalize up to seven Las Vegas-style casinos in New York, when they were presented with the rosy language that will appear on next month's ballot. This is a good sign for casino backers, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo. More cash for pro-casino
To Late to Fix the Wording Problem Good Government Groups Good At Getting Into the Press
_____________________________________
Gambling in NY
Tons More Corrupt Money for Lobbyists and Pols
Gambling Winner on Election Day
Genting: The Malaysian gambling giant won big with the passage of the amendment legalizing casinos in New York. It kicked in at least $750,000 towards the efforts, and its investors are now likely to land one of the four initial casino licenses, for an expanded venue at Monticello Raceway in Sullivan County. In seven years, when a casino could come to New York City, the company's already profitable Aqueduct racino in southeast Queens would be the leading contender to nab the license.
Strange Anti-Gambling Team
Governor's Proposed Convention Center May Fall Flat, Skeptics Say(NY1)
1/31/2013
Cuomo Being Squeezed By DiNapoli and Silver On His Gambling Site PlansDiNapoli: Casinos no cure(NYP) “I generally have concerns about supporting government through gaming revenues,” state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said yesterday. “I don’t think it’s a panacea.” DiNapoli said that the economic benefits of additional resort casinos are being oversold with excessive revenue projections from their supporters. He also wondered whether the region already has enough casinos, citing those in Connecticut and Atlantic City. * Cuomo met with legislative leaders to discuss the possibility of expanding casino gambling in New York, agreeing that a new state gambling commission will pick developers if new casinos are permitted, The Buffalo News reports: * After holding their first leaders meeting of 2013, Cuomo and the three legislative officials had resolved some issues on casino gambling – including (according to the governor) letting the gaming commission make the final decision on location.* But Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said the casino-siting issue is “still evolving.”* Schwartz Draws Line On Casino Expansion(YNN) * Cuomo says he won’t push for casinos if process is “politicized” * I mean, it would definitely be "political" if casino lobbyists pitched lawmakers during a private fundraiser, right? * A new group has formed to fight a possible casino in Willets Point.
1/30/2013
GamblingNY legislative leaders say not so fast to Cuomo plan for 3 upstate casinos; NYC outer boroughs, L.I. may be in mix http://on.wsj.com/XK4dCW * Queens leaders to oppose plans for a casino at Willets Point. Rally scheduled for February 6th. http://fb.me/1SEPBQ8dI * More Than Three Casinos On Tap?(YNN)
1/29/30
GamblingSen. John Bonacic said he expects groups to spend “heavy money” fighting Cuomo’s plan to expand casino gaming in the state and potentially bring casinos to the Catskills. (Subscription). *Silver: Legislature Needs A Role In Casino Siting(YNN) * The governor’s picks for the Gaming Commission have surfaced, but the agency’s seven-member board of directors will not be in place when its lights are officially turned on Feb. 1.
1/27/2013
Team Cuomo Attacks Silver's Gambling Plans
AEG II?
Silver wants the Legislature to make the decision on where to locate new casinos in NY because it would open the Legislature to huge casino lobbying money for legislators’ campaign funds
\
From the Queens Chronicle:Gov. Cuomo reiterated his support for full casino gaming — including table games — in New York State, but under the plan he outlined in this week’s State of the State speech, Queens residents will have to drive a good long while on the Thruway to get to roll real dice at a real craps table or sit with an actual blackjack dealer.In his speech, Cuomo said the idea behind limiting full gaming to upstate is to boost tourism and economic development in upstate counties, while New York City already has 50 million tourists a year. Under his plan, up to three casinos would open to full gaming in upstate counties should the state Legislature and New York voters approve a constitutional amendment to allow table games.* NY Casino Lobby Unveils New Radio Campaign(NYDN)
1/25/2013
Silver Does Not Like Cuomo Gambling Plans
2/1/2013
Gov. Cuomo said that he does not want state legislators to “politicize” the process of setting casino policy in the state and that the independent Gaming Commission will try to keep politics out of any decision on casino location, the Times-Union reports: * Cuomo warned he’ll drop his support for expanding casinos in New York if the Legislature insists on a “politicized process” for determining where they’re located.1/18/2013
Silver Joins With Major Casino Companies, Unimpressed by Upstate Locations
1/17/2013
WSJ: Major casino companies, unimpressed by upstate locations, may sit out casino debate in N.Y.1/11/2013
Look Like Cuomo Plan is to Establish the Gambling Sites At the State Race tracks and Have the State Lotto Commission Regulate it
With AC Gambling Down 8% Before Sandy Would NYers and Tourist Travel Upstate to Roll the Dice in Upstate Casinos?
AC casinos were bad bet, with 8% revenue hit
(NYP)
Turns out, the house doesn’t always win. Hedge-fund high rollers who
bet big on a comeback for Atlantic City’s casinos are watching their
gambling profits dwindle.1/10/2013
The Winds of A Gambling War
LAWMAKERS QUESTION CUOMO’S UPSTATE CASINO PLAN:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for three casinos and for the new gaming
commission to select locations in upstate New York, but lawmakers could
take a different path(City and State) * After outlining a grand plan for casino gambling in last year’s State of the State, Cuomo presented a “scaled back” version for upstate casinos only.* Cuomo says the new casino proposal is meant to attract downstate residents to jobs-starved upstate.Gambling Lobbying $$$ is to Corrupt Albany As Meeting Nicky Barnes Was to A Heroin Addict on Crack
Gambling Industry Money Is Streaming Into Albany(NYT) Indian tribes, racetrack casinos and other gambling interests are pouring millions into lobbying lawmakers as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo seeks support for expanding the number of casinos in New York State. Indian tribes, racetrack casinos and other gambling interests have spent nearly $50 million on lobbying and campaign contributions in the state since 2005, according to a new analysis by a government-reform group, Common Cause New York. Gambling interests spent nearly $4 million on lobbying and more than $700,000 on campaign contributions in the first half of 2012, records show. The state has limited casino sites to 7. Steve Winn said that limiting casino application will cause total corruption. * Gambling Industry Goes “All In” For NY Casinos(Gannett Albany)
The Post needles Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver in an editorial about flag burning and Occupy Wall Street:
Immaculate Zoning Carve Out Democrats Deny Responsibility For Carve Out(NY1)
Las Vegas Want A Piece of the New York Action
Is NY On the Verge of A Gambling War? Vegas, Atlantic City operators don't like Genting's favored status in New York, plan to put up a fight. Cuomo Casino Plan Roils Las Vegas(WSJ) Some Las Vegas casino companies hope to prevent a rival from cornering the New York City gambling market after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a handshake development deal for a convention center and casino complex in Queens.*
Beep betting on Coney casinos(NYP)*Bugsy Siegel - The Man Who Invented Las Vegas* Cuomo promised to work with the Legislature on the casino/convention center agreement with Genting, but refused to release any copies of the state’s working drafts of that deal. * Cuomo To Cooperate With State Legislature On Queens Convention Center Plans
Behind an Army of Lobbyists, a Force in Gambling(NYT) Genting Berhad, one of the world’s largest gambling conglomerates, has amassed a swarm of lobbyists as it pursues lucrative projects in New York and Miami.* City Has Say on Aqueduct(WSJ) Despite Cuomo’s claims that the state ultimately controls the process, records show that New York City actually has a surprising amount of the power over whether a new casino and convention center are built in Queens. Genting’s lobbyist/consultant roster reads like a who’s who of NY players: John Cordo, Jennifer Cunningham, Pat Lynch, Brad Tusk, James Featherstonhaugh, Nick Spano.* The state Racing and Wagering Board has opened an investigation into whether the New York Racing Association has been improperly letting people bet on credit. * Casino gambling legislation was introduced today in the Assembly.
We Have to Rehab $500M the Javits Center to Tear It Down
State $463M face lift on Javits Ctr. corpse (NYP)A $463 million renovation of the Javits Center will continue through an October 2013 deadline, even though the Cuomo administration plans to tear the structure down afterward
NJ Gambling Interests Must Approve of New Convention Center
New casinos in New York will likely need approval from the Port Authority, but with half of the commissioners of the PA hailing from New Jersey, they may not approve it, since the new casinos would cut into Atlantic City’s business. * Most Oppose Cuomo's Plan for AqueductNYT)
Javits Center Plans Are Deflating for Architects
Let’s Raze Javits Center (but First Finish Renovations) (NYT)
Pols Hit the Jackpot With Racino's Genting
BP of No Importance Delusional Idea to Tear Down the Javits Center and Build Two New Ones in Queens
Tries to Save Willets Point Convention Center proposal which a lot of Queens pols have that hands in
Queens needs two convention centers, says borough presi(NYDN)
A Gambling Monopoly
Shooting craps? (NYP
Ed) The NYP says that the new convention center rest upon Genting being
allowed to operate more slot machines at the racino, at the least, and
perhaps table games down the road, should the state Constitution ever
be amended to allow such a thing. Without those revenues, the project’s
economics simply don’t add up.
NY's Casino Fight
Rivals Ready Onslaught to Sway Casino Debate(NYT)
________________________________
Gambling
What A Low Turn Out Could Do to Gambling
Pollsters and political consultants believe that low turnout as a result of the uncompetitive mayor’s race could affect the fate of casino expansion in New York, which is on the ballot as a constitutional amendment, the New York Post reports * The New York Gaming Commission voted to adopt regulations prohibiting Western New York racinos from advertising themselves as casinos, consistent with a deal Gov. Andrew Cuomo struck with the Seneca Indian Nations, the Times Union writes:
CUOMO CALLS — Governor appears in last-minute robocall urging voters to support casinos: Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he's “linked” to the fate of Proposal One, which would allow up to seven casinos
in upstate New York, but until now hasn't done much to publicly promote it. New York Jobs Now,
a PAC fueled by casinos and labor unions, confirmed it paid for a
robocall featuring the governor, but declined to elaborate, as did aides
to Cuomo. But voters in the Capital Region, Binghamton and on Long
Island reported receiving the Cuomo call on Monday. As Michael Gormley points out, “Governors are prohibited from using public money to advocate for a ballot proposition.”Capital has obtained audio of the call: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8a0f4pJG9k
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Loaded Dice
NY voters favor Vegas-style casinos(NYP) * Andrew Cuomo’s casino charade(NYP) A proposition intended to overturn New York’s constitutional ban on casino-style gambling will be on the November ballot — described by Gov. Cuomo as a linchpin component in his economic-development strategy for upstate. Yet it is no strategy, but rather a charade. The ballot measure, Cuomo says, will promote economic growth and tourism in New York — and “end the trend of letting neighboring states with legalized gaming take revenue that should be going to our schools.” Translation: Let’s have a casino cannibal war!* Casino Group Will Work With ‘All Elected Officials’ Backing Amendment(YNN) * Lawyer Contests Casino Referendum’s Wording (NYT) * Anti-
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Gambling Fools
Poll: Political spin of referendum fools voters(WSJ) A poll shows that the unusually rosy wording of the referendum to
legalize Las Vegas-type casinos appears to have done the trick of
loading the dice for approval.* A casino ballot proposition that sells itself. [Jimmy Vielkind] * Poll Finds Support for New Casinos in State(NYT) * Poll: Political spin of referendum fools voters(WSJ)* Five weeks before state voters decide the issue at the polls, New York’s Roman Catholic bishops released a statement expressing strong concern over the potential social costs of the development of seven new resort casinos.As Casino Vote Nears, Bishops Warn of Social Risks(NYT) Citing the potential for “enslavement” to gambling, New York’s Roman
Catholic bishops issued a statement on the casino expansion referendum.* A Siena College poll finds that 55 percent of voters would approve casino expansion “for the legislated
purposes of promoting job growth, increasing aid to schools, and
permitting local governments to lower property taxes through revenues
generated”:* A survey underwritten by a firm hoping
to build a $500 million casino 85 minutes south from Albany found that
53.8 percent of people polled support Cuomo’s proposed casino gaming
expansion amendment, the Times Union writes: * Coalition Created To Back Casino Amendment(YNN) The group, called NY Jobs Now, includes Heather Bricetti, the president
and CEO of the state Business Council, along with labor leaders like the
AFL-CIO’s Mario Cilento, UFT President Michael Mulgrew, Gary LaBarbera
of Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and
former New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson.* LG Bob Duffy told
The Post-Standard editorial board that the casino referendum will help
local governments and provide 10,000 construction and casino jobs
upstate.* Majority Back Referendum to Add Casinos, Poll Finds(NYT) Fifty-five percent of voters said they would support a referendum on the
November ballot to allow the development of up to seven full-scale
casinos. * The
Post’s Bob McManus bashes Cuomo’s “charade” of a casino plan,
questioning whether state-sponsored gambling generates revenue, and suggests that the governor take a second look at
hydrofracking
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gambling Pay to Play $$$
Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
Who Is Getting The Most From Gambling Interests?(YNN)
Gambling interests have contributed a cominbed $3.2 million to
political candidates and committees since 2011, an analysis from Common
Cause released this morning found. The report shows the political
campaign committees for the Assembly
Democrats and Senate Republicans were the top recipients of the gambling
interests largesse, receiving $414,750 and $403,750 respectively.
Third on the list was the gubernatorial campaign of Gov. Andrew
Cuomo, who first pushed for the amendment to expand casino gambling in
New York beyond American Indian tribes in 2012. He has received $361,500
from the gambling industry since 2011, the report found.* Gambling interests have donated millions to NY pols(NYP) * Gambling industry donates millions to state political campaigns * ”Cuomo, NY Legislature already hit casino jackpot” [AP]* Lawyer: New York Casino Referendum Was Passed In Secret (CBS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loaded Dice
Lawyer Contests Casino Referendum’s Wording(NYT) Eric J. Snyder of Brooklyn said the language being used on the November
ballot question was slanted because it mentioned positive legislative
purposes. * Casino gambling — a bad ballot bet(NYP Ed) The Post reiterates its position that
New York state has enough casinos, and that adding more will lead to
crime, bankruptcies, and gambling addiction. It argues instead that
Cuomo should reconsider fracking as an alternative to boost the economy* Brooklyn attorney Eric Snyder filed a
lawsuit with the state Supreme Court against the Board of Elections,
alleging that the state is showing a bias in favor of passing the casino
gambling referendum with wording promising economic gains, the Times Union writes: * The language for the casino referendum approved by the New York State Board of Elections is "absurdly biased." [Harry Siegel] * In an op-ed, a former Assemblyman from Manhattan said most of the money
lost on casino gambling around the country, up to 80 percent, comes from
households earning less than $50,000 a year, citing a report in the Christian Science Monitor. "If that isn't a tax on the poor, what is it?" [Ed Sullivan] * The wording of the referendum has rankled some government watchdog groups, and the New York State Catholic Conference. [Jesse McKinley] * No Contribution Limits For Casino Committee(YNN) * DOB: Casino Expansion Will Generate $430M(YNN) * The state Budget Division predicts the
expansion of casino gambling, if passed, would generate $430 million in
added revenue for the state, including $94.4 million for New York City
each year, State of Politics writes: * The Times Union writes that the state
should change the language on the ballot referendum on casino gaming
expansion in November to make it less leading for voters: * Full-Court Casino Press * A new pro-casino group, NY Jobs Now,
is seeking to fund a campaign to convince voters to approve a ballot
referendum on casino expansion, with the state AFL-CIO also planning its
own effort in support of the referendum, The Buffalo News writes: * Quiet Push for Gambling(WSJ)
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration is coordinating a
robust campaign to persuade voters to approve a constitutional
amendment legalizing an expansion of non-Indian casino gambling.* While
Cuomo himself has been relatively quiet on the casino amendment, his top
cabinet members are coordinating a “robust campaign” to convince voters to approve it on Nov. 5.* A study by the Institute for American
Values, a Manhattan-based think tank, found that adding slot machines
and expanding casinos will add significantly to problem gambling and may
not be economically rewarding for the state, the Times Union reports: * Common Cause NY seeks to support lawsuit against NY casino referendum's rosy wording in amicus brief(WSJ)
Gambling Word Games/Pay to Play $$$
Sounds like the BOE Spokesperson is Epstein's mother from Welcome Back Kotter
Update NYS BOE Excuse The state Board of Elections blamed
logistics and a sick employee for failing to post the rewording of the
state’s casino referendum online until after the deadline to challenge
it, the Associated Press reports
Was the Wording of the Referendum not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge? Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
Update
Judge to Decide Next Week in Casino Referendum Suit(NYT)
State’s ‘sick’ excuse for casino-ballot flub(NYP)
NYT Ed Blasts Gambling Wording
Gambling on Loaded Language(NYT E) A New York State judge should not allow lawmakers to skew the wording on a ballot in a way that tips the scales in favor of a pro-gambling outcome.* Casino debate set for next week(http://www.syracuse.com) * Casino question is skewed up: group(NYP) The New York Public Interest Research Group joined a legal fight Thursday against what it calls the one-sided wording of a referendum aimed at persuading voters to approve Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s expansion of casinos.* Dirty dealing on casino referendum(NYP Ed) It wasn’t enough for the Cuomo administration to stack the deck in favor of its ballot referendum on Las Vegas-style casinos by tacking on language suggesting all sorts of goodies would come with approval. The move also appears to have been made in secret — and not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge. This is the accusation now before a court in Albany. City and State Loser of the Week James Walsh and Douglas Kellner – The State Board of Elections lashed out at Brooklyn attorney Eric Snyder this week for his lawsuit alleging that the language of the gaming amendment was biased in favor of its passage, howling that Snyder’s failure to meet the 14-day deadline for filing his objection was “inexcusable” and threatened to “disenfranchise” voters in the military. The only problem with the BoE’s indignation was that the wording of the referendum wasn’t even posted on the board’s website until two weeks after the deadline to sue had passed. While the BoE insists the language was accessible if requested, the glowing wording of the amendment, which promises jobs, increased school aid and property tax relief, has drawn criticism from good government groups who denounce the board’s process as “rigged.” * Pro-casino coalition hints at a late ad blitz [Jimmy Vielkind] * The Staten Island Advance reminds readers that there’s a chance – however remote it seems at this moment – that a casino could eventually come to their borough if this amendment is approved.
Casinos Everywhere. Good tour of debate over Cuomo's so called Eco Development Plan:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gambling Pay to Play $$$
Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
NYT Blasts Gambling Wordings
Gambling on Loaded Language(NYT E)
Update NYP Blasts Casinos
A court could decide Friday if a referendum to expand casino gambling in New York wasn’t just uncommonly reworded to include rosy benefits — but whether it was approved illegally in secret.* The legal challenge to the casino expansion plan being heard Friday by a state judge threatens to derail not just the seven casinos sought by the governor, but also the back-up plan for four new video lottery terminal facilities.
Legalizing casinos: A loser for NY(NYP Ed) In the Post, Steve Malanga, a senior editor of City Journal, criticizes the state’s attempts to legalize casinos, saying that gambling often fails to meet its economic projections and that revenues rarely spur tax relief
Who Is Getting The Most From Gambling Interests?(YNN) Gambling interests have contributed a cominbed $3.2 million to political candidates and committees since 2011, an analysis from Common Cause released this morning found. The report shows the political campaign committees for the Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans were the top recipients of the gambling interests largesse, receiving $414,750 and $403,750 respectively. Third on the list was the gubernatorial campaign of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who first pushed for the amendment to expand casino gambling in New York beyond American Indian tribes in 2012. He has received $361,500 from the gambling industry since 2011, the report found.* Gambling interests have donated millions to NY pols(NYP) * Gambling industry donates millions to state political campaigns * ”Cuomo, NY Legislature already hit casino jackpot” [AP]* Lawyer: New York Casino Referendum Was Passed In Secret (CBS) * Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy estimates that the plan for four initial casinos upstate, assuming voters pass a ballot referendum in November, would bring in $430 million per year for public education, property tax relief, and aid to localities, the Times Union writes * The Times Union writes that the supposed benefits of the state investing in casino expansion is hardly a sure thing and highlights New York’s record of backtracking on promises on how to spend additional revenue * Pro-Casino Committee Doesn’t See Any Leading Language(YNN) * NYPIRG: NYers Are Entitled To A ‘Neutral’ Casino Ballot Proposal(YNN) * Tom Precious notes Cuomo has been “curiously silent” on one of his top agenda items – the casino amendment – which opponents believe is by design.
__________________________________________________________________________________
NYT Vote No On Gambling
New York City Voters Back Adding Casinos, Poll Finds (NYT)
@NewYorkJobsNow mailer in support of the casino gaming amendment. #NYProp1 http://instagram.com/p/f8Vzyklnhv/
Calling gambling a regressive tax, the New York Times Editorial Board urges voters to say no to the constitutional amendment expanding casino gambling, adding that more casinos would lead to higher crimes rates and the deterioration of communities.No to More Casinos in New York State While the Times‘s editorial board rejected Gov. Andrew Cuomo‘s signature referendum to approve casinos Upstate. The publication told its readers they “should not accept the way this amendment is advertised on the ballot as a jobs and growth initiative for upstate New York. It is liable to fail to deliver on that promise.” * Daily News Gambling At Airports Instead of building new casinos, the state should consider allowing slot machines at airports to extract revenue from tourists that could be used to fund Port Authority projects, Anthony Figliola writes in the Daily News * The NYT OpEds against Cuomo’s casino amendment, saying he has failed to make the case that non-Indian run gaming facilities will indeed improve the upstate economy, producing jobs and steady revenue.* A pro-casino group has released its first series of television ads, trying to persuade voters to go along with Cuomo’s plan to permit developers to build up to seven Las Vegas-style casinos in New York.* $500,000 "Gambling interests have funneled almost $500,000 into a coalition formed to support next month's ballot referendum" * Orthodox Newspapers Line Up Against Gambling(YNN) * Pro-Casino Group Raises $2M(YNN) * New York Jobs Now Committee: raised $1,350,000; spent $1,064,222 thru 10/21.#FilingDay * NYC voters don't want a casino in the city & don't want to visit one upstate—but they support Prop 1, NYT poll finds: New York Jobs Now, a group in favor of
legalizing casinos in New York, has raised almost $2.7 million for an ad
campaign supporting a casino constitutional amendment up for a vote
next month, Gannett reports:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gambling Word Games/Pay to Play $$$
Sounds like the BOE Spokesperson is Epstein's mother from Welcome Back Kotter
Update NYS BOE Excuse The state Board of Elections blamed
logistics and a sick employee for failing to post the rewording of the
state’s casino referendum online until after the deadline to challenge
it, the Associated Press reports
Was the Wording of the Referendum not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge? Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
Update
Judge to Decide Next Week in Casino Referendum Suit(NYT)
State’s ‘sick’ excuse for casino-ballot flub(NYP)
NYT Ed Blasts Gambling Wording
Gambling on Loaded Language(NYT E) A New York State judge should not allow lawmakers to skew the wording on a ballot in a way that tips the scales in favor of a pro-gambling outcome.* Casino debate set for next week(http://www.syracuse.com) * Casino question is skewed up: group(NYP) The New York Public Interest Research Group joined a legal fight Thursday against what it calls the one-sided wording of a referendum aimed at persuading voters to approve Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s expansion of casinos.* Dirty dealing on casino referendum(NYP Ed) It wasn’t enough for the Cuomo administration to stack the deck in favor of its ballot referendum on Las Vegas-style casinos by tacking on language suggesting all sorts of goodies would come with approval. The move also appears to have been made in secret — and not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge. This is the accusation now before a court in Albany. City and State Loser of the Week James Walsh and Douglas Kellner – The State Board of Elections lashed out at Brooklyn attorney Eric Snyder this week for his lawsuit alleging that the language of the gaming amendment was biased in favor of its passage, howling that Snyder’s failure to meet the 14-day deadline for filing his objection was “inexcusable” and threatened to “disenfranchise” voters in the military. The only problem with the BoE’s indignation was that the wording of the referendum wasn’t even posted on the board’s website until two weeks after the deadline to sue had passed. While the BoE insists the language was accessible if requested, the glowing wording of the amendment, which promises jobs, increased school aid and property tax relief, has drawn criticism from good government groups who denounce the board’s process as “rigged.” * Pro-casino coalition hints at a late ad blitz [Jimmy Vielkind] * The Staten Island Advance reminds readers that there’s a chance – however remote it seems at this moment – that a casino could eventually come to their borough if this amendment is approved.
--------
The Real One Gambling 180
The success of three new upstate New York casinos proposed by Cuomo
would depend heavily upon them drawing gamblers from other places in an
already crowded Northeast market, analysts say.* The reasoning behind Cuomo’s “180″ on casinos. (Remember: Last year, he wanted one in NYC).* Cuomo's casino flip | Crain's New York Business
------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gambling Pay to Play $$$
Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loaded Dice
Albany Has Found A Way to print Money
Racino $2B sure thing (NYP) A report released by a pro-gambling group says the state’s nine racinos pumped $2 billion into the state economy and $1 billion into its coffers last year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gambling Word Games/Pay to Play $$$
Sounds like the BOE Spokesperson is Epstein's mother from Welcome Back Kotter
Was the Wording of the Referendum not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge? Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
Judge to Decide Next Week in Casino Referendum Suit(NYT)
State’s ‘sick’ excuse for casino-ballot flub(NYP)
NYT Ed Blasts Gambling Wording
Gambling on Loaded Language(NYT E) A New York State judge should not allow lawmakers to skew the wording on a ballot in a way that tips the scales in favor of a pro-gambling outcome.* Casino debate set for next week(http://www.syracuse.com) * Casino question is skewed up: group(NYP) The New York Public Interest Research Group joined a legal fight Thursday against what it calls the one-sided wording of a referendum aimed at persuading voters to approve Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s expansion of casinos.* Dirty dealing on casino referendum(NYP Ed) It wasn’t enough for the Cuomo administration to stack the deck in favor of its ballot referendum on Las Vegas-style casinos by tacking on language suggesting all sorts of goodies would come with approval. The move also appears to have been made in secret — and not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge. This is the accusation now before a court in Albany. City and State Loser of the Week James Walsh and Douglas Kellner – The State Board of Elections lashed out at Brooklyn attorney Eric Snyder this week for his lawsuit alleging that the language of the gaming amendment was biased in favor of its passage, howling that Snyder’s failure to meet the 14-day deadline for filing his objection was “inexcusable” and threatened to “disenfranchise” voters in the military. The only problem with the BoE’s indignation was that the wording of the referendum wasn’t even posted on the board’s website until two weeks after the deadline to sue had passed. While the BoE insists the language was accessible if requested, the glowing wording of the amendment, which promises jobs, increased school aid and property tax relief, has drawn criticism from good government groups who denounce the board’s process as “rigged.” * Pro-casino coalition hints at a late ad blitz [Jimmy Vielkind] * The Staten Island Advance reminds readers that there’s a chance – however remote it seems at this moment – that a casino could eventually come to their borough if this amendment is approved.
Casinos Everywhere. Good tour of debate over Cuomo's so called Eco Development Plan:
Michael Powell
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gambling Pay to Play $$$
Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
NYT Blasts Gambling Wordings
Gambling on Loaded Language(NYT E)
A New York State judge should not allow lawmakers to
skew the wording on a ballot in a way that tips the scales in favor of a
pro-gambling outcome.
Update NYP Blasts Casinos
A court could decide Friday if a referendum to expand casino gambling in New York wasn’t just uncommonly reworded to include rosy benefits — but whether it was approved illegally in secret.* The legal challenge to the casino expansion plan being heard Friday by a state judge threatens to derail not just the seven casinos sought by the governor, but also the back-up plan for four new video lottery terminal facilities.
Legalizing casinos: A loser for NY(NYP Ed) In the Post, Steve Malanga, a senior editor of City Journal, criticizes the state’s attempts to legalize casinos, saying that gambling often fails to meet its economic projections and that revenues rarely spur tax relief
Who Is Getting The Most From Gambling Interests?(YNN) Gambling interests have contributed a cominbed $3.2 million to political candidates and committees since 2011, an analysis from Common Cause released this morning found. The report shows the political campaign committees for the Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans were the top recipients of the gambling interests largesse, receiving $414,750 and $403,750 respectively. Third on the list was the gubernatorial campaign of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who first pushed for the amendment to expand casino gambling in New York beyond American Indian tribes in 2012. He has received $361,500 from the gambling industry since 2011, the report found.* Gambling interests have donated millions to NY pols(NYP) * Gambling industry donates millions to state political campaigns * ”Cuomo, NY Legislature already hit casino jackpot” [AP]* Lawyer: New York Casino Referendum Was Passed In Secret (CBS) * Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy estimates that the plan for four initial casinos upstate, assuming voters pass a ballot referendum in November, would bring in $430 million per year for public education, property tax relief, and aid to localities, the Times Union writes * The Times Union writes that the supposed benefits of the state investing in casino expansion is hardly a sure thing and highlights New York’s record of backtracking on promises on how to spend additional revenue * Pro-Casino Committee Doesn’t See Any Leading Language(YNN) * NYPIRG: NYers Are Entitled To A ‘Neutral’ Casino Ballot Proposal(YNN) * Tom Precious notes Cuomo has been “curiously silent” on one of his top agenda items – the casino amendment – which opponents believe is by design.
__________________________________________________________________________________
NYT Vote No On Gambling
Calling gambling a regressive tax, the New York Times Editorial Board urges voters to say no to the constitutional amendment expanding casino gambling, adding that more casinos would lead to higher crimes rates and the deterioration of communities.No to More Casinos in New York State While the Times‘s editorial board rejected Gov. Andrew Cuomo‘s signature referendum to approve casinos Upstate. The publication told its readers they “should not accept the way this amendment is advertised on the ballot as a jobs and growth initiative for upstate New York. It is liable to fail to deliver on that promise.” * Daily News Gambling At Airports Instead of building new casinos, the state should consider allowing slot machines at airports to extract revenue from tourists that could be used to fund Port Authority projects, Anthony Figliola writes in the Daily News * The NYT OpEds against Cuomo’s casino amendment, saying he has failed to make the case that non-Indian run gaming facilities will indeed improve the upstate economy, producing jobs and steady revenue.* A pro-casino group has released its first series of television ads, trying to persuade voters to go along with Cuomo’s plan to permit developers to build up to seven Las Vegas-style casinos in New York.* $500,000 "Gambling interests have funneled almost $500,000 into a coalition formed to support next month's ballot referendum" * Orthodox Newspapers Line Up Against Gambling(YNN) * Pro-Casino Group Raises $2M(YNN) * New York Jobs Now Committee: raised $1,350,000; spent $1,064,222 thru 10/21.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gambling Word Games/Pay to Play $$$
Sounds like the BOE Spokesperson is Epstein's mother from Welcome Back Kotter
Was the Wording of the Referendum not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge? Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
Judge to Decide Next Week in Casino Referendum Suit(NYT)
State’s ‘sick’ excuse for casino-ballot flub(NYP)
NYT Ed Blasts Gambling Wording
Gambling on Loaded Language(NYT E) A New York State judge should not allow lawmakers to skew the wording on a ballot in a way that tips the scales in favor of a pro-gambling outcome.* Casino debate set for next week(http://www.syracuse.com) * Casino question is skewed up: group(NYP) The New York Public Interest Research Group joined a legal fight Thursday against what it calls the one-sided wording of a referendum aimed at persuading voters to approve Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s expansion of casinos.* Dirty dealing on casino referendum(NYP Ed) It wasn’t enough for the Cuomo administration to stack the deck in favor of its ballot referendum on Las Vegas-style casinos by tacking on language suggesting all sorts of goodies would come with approval. The move also appears to have been made in secret — and not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge. This is the accusation now before a court in Albany. City and State Loser of the Week James Walsh and Douglas Kellner – The State Board of Elections lashed out at Brooklyn attorney Eric Snyder this week for his lawsuit alleging that the language of the gaming amendment was biased in favor of its passage, howling that Snyder’s failure to meet the 14-day deadline for filing his objection was “inexcusable” and threatened to “disenfranchise” voters in the military. The only problem with the BoE’s indignation was that the wording of the referendum wasn’t even posted on the board’s website until two weeks after the deadline to sue had passed. While the BoE insists the language was accessible if requested, the glowing wording of the amendment, which promises jobs, increased school aid and property tax relief, has drawn criticism from good government groups who denounce the board’s process as “rigged.” * Pro-casino coalition hints at a late ad blitz [Jimmy Vielkind] * The Staten Island Advance reminds readers that there’s a chance – however remote it seems at this moment – that a casino could eventually come to their borough if this amendment is approved.
-
Casinos Everywhere. Good tour of debate over Cuomo's so called Eco Development Plan:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Albany Hit Jackpot Gambling $$$
Lawsuit Rejected
Update Lawsuit Over
Brooklyn attorney folds, won't appeal casino decision
Pro-casino advertising exists.
The people lose in casino ruling(NYP Ed) The Post argues that the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the wording Cuomo’s team used for a ballot referendum on casino expansion set back the cause of increasing transparency in state government
Lawsuit Fails Update Judge Rejects Casino Amendment Lawsuit
Amendment Opponent Plans To File Emergency Appeal(YNN)Albany Play to Pay Gambling Jackpot Again: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ From Gambling
The people lose in casino ruling(NYP)
Judge Rejects Suit to Block Casino Referendum(NYT) The suit, objecting to wording describing the New York State ballot question in positive terms, was “untimely and lacking in legal merit,” the judge said. The attorney behind a lawsuit challenging the language used in the constitutional amendment for casino expansion said he would file an appeal after a judge threw out his lawsuit
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Ignoring the attorney general’s recommendation, the Board of Elections changed the neutrally worded casino amendment by adding language to gain voter support … transparency and proper notice are fundamental rights in this country, and that includes New York.” – Attorney Eric Snyder reacting to a state judge’s decision to toss out his lawsuit against language used in the constitutional amendment to expand casino gambling, via The New York Times.
Casino Referendum Led Gambling Industry to Spend Richly in Albany(NYT)
Since 2005, gambling and horse racing interests have spent more than $59 million on lobbying and political contributions in New York, mirroring similar efforts in other state capitals to persuade policy makers to authorize more gambling.
The pro-NY casino lobby is very well financed. As for the anti-casino lobby? Not so much * New York Jobs Now, the PAC containing casino companies, the Business Council and AFL-CIO, said it has “a couple million dollars” to spend, and is apparently now in the field polling, as Dana Rubinstein and I report today. The survey asked one reader whether an endorsement by Bloomberg or Gov. Andrew Cuomo would sway their thinking; neither has been proactively vocal on the topic of more casinos. Some poll results could be announced today.
Top Gambling Lobbyists
The top ten lobbyists retained by gambling interests during this period include a who's who of the most influential firms in the state: Patricia Lynch Associates ($1.46 million), Cordo & Company ($975,000), Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker ($953,000), Meara Avella Dickenson ($805,000), Featherstonhaugh Wiley & Clyne ($787,000), Park Strategies ($649,000), Dan Klores Communications ($643,000), Kasirer Consulting ($470,000), Brian R. Meara Public Relations ($439,000), and Bolton St. Johns ($398,000) * Performing arts venues across New York are trying to head off potentially “devastating” competition from casinos by proposing they work together.
How Can the Top Gambling Lobbyists Have Financial Problems?
Capitol Confidential » Layoffs hit Patricia Lynch Associates - Blogs
LETTER: Casino politics part of broad Albany pattern of ...
__________________________________________________________________________________
Gambling the Truth
Schneiderman ignores casino-measure stench(NYP)
Funny that this ad doesn't actually show any casinos or people gambling...
Yesterday the NYP's Dicker Says Team Cuomo Worried About Gambling Amendment Failing; Today the NYP Says A Siena Poll Say the Voters Supporter the Amendment
Support grows for NY casino expansion plan(NYP) A new poll shows a majority of New York voters supporting an amendment to the state constitution that would expand casino gambling. The Siena College poll released Monday* Casino Bid Is Debated(WSJ)* New Yorkers Weigh Doubling Down on Casinos(WSJ)* The Daily News’ Bill Hammond outlines
several things that New Yorkers should know about the implications of
expanding casino gambling before casting their ballot on a gaming
expansion referendum on November 5th: * After 7-year ban, you can bet gambling industry will spare no expense convincing lawmakers to allow casinos in NYC.* CASINO EXPANSION — Forum Gets Emotional — Capital's Dana Rubnstein:
"Anti-casino activist David Blankenhorn thinks the gambling industry is
engaged in "a sterile predatory activity that only takes money from
people without giving them ... anything of value in return.* Cuomo said that he is “linked” to an
amendment expanding casino gambling in New York that voters will
consider next month and that the state will ramp up a campaign in the
coming days, State of Politics writes: * Cuomo: I’m ‘Linked’ To Casino Proposal(YNN) * New York Jobs
Now, a consortium of businesses and pro-gaming advocates, is going up
with its first television spots today in support of the constitutional
amendment to allow full-scale casinos and gambling in New York State,
which will come before voters on November 5. Neal Kwatra,
a senior strategist for New York Jobs Now commented, “It’s rare
that Republicans and Democrats can agree on anything these days, but
they are joining forces to support Proposal #1 to bring millions of
dollars in new revenue, increased school aid and living wage jobs back
to New York. It’s a win-win for all New Yorkers.” The ad buy, which
features different spots in New York City (http://bit.ly/HgCDNS)
Caustic Times Union op-ed about "a government that couldn’t even hold a vote on the [casino] idea without cheating" Cuomo fears he’s losing casino amendment gamble(Dicker, NYP Cuomo and his top aides, reacting to a just-completed secret poll, are increasingly worried that the constitutional amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot to legalize casino gambling will be defeated. Cuomo is reportedly worried about a “secret poll” that shows support for his casino amendment eroding, and plans to go “all in” in the coming days to try to get New Yorkers to support it. “If the amendment is defeated, Cuomo is defeated, and that’s not the way the governor intends to kick off his re-election campaign for next year,” an insider said. * NY casino referendum gets first public discussion(NYP) * The Siena survey confirms that the controversially rosy ballot language to authorize as many as seven casinos in the state still tips the scales in favor of more gambling. (The way Siena phrases the question, the issue continues to show a split just outside the margin of error, but the ballot language polls at 56-40.) * Critics Wage Quiet Fight Against Ballot Measure on Adding Casinos (NYT)
Press Gives Patterson Free Ride on AEG
Gov goes all in on Catskills casino bet (DN) * The land claim settlement announced by Gov. David Paterson yesterday could face legal challenges from another Indian tribe.* There’s also opposition to the Catskills casino for which the land claim settlement (ostensibly) clears the way. * Cuomo insisted Paterson’s deal with the Stockbridge-Munsee is on “firm legal ground.” * Paterson and Sen. Chuck Schumer say they’ll pressure the feds to accept the deal.* Newsday calls the Catskill casino plan a “bad bet.”
--------
The Real One Gambling 180
------------------------------
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