Gambling Bid Open
Gambling Update
- 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
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. The state gaming facility location board selected only three casinos instead of four and did not choose any in 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 casino would have “cannibalized” a competing casino in the Catksills.* CASINO WINNERS & LOSERS: 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.* Jeff Gural, owner of both Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs racinos, said the people of the Southern Tier were “screwed” by the casino and fracking decisions. * Senate Deputy Republican Leader Tom Libous, of 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 drew ire from Tioga Downs owner and applicant Jeffrey Gural, who said: “Bad day? I think the Southern Tier just got wiped out economically.” Lago developer Tom Wilmot said he plans to start construction ASAP*
Quiet Casino Winner: HTC(YNN)*
Cuomo’s Casino Victory Lap(YNN)* When it came to siting upstate casinos, the Gaming Facility Location Board
played it safe.*
Cuomo says he had little to do with the casino siting anddecision to ban hydrofracking(TU)* State Sen. Thomas Libous, a Binghamton Republican, called for a casino license to be awarded in the Southern Tier, although the state siting board said that there was no plan to consider a fourth casino,
State of Politics writes: * Moody’s concluded that new
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
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.*
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 are
expecting 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
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
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 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 $$$ For BribeAlbany
New York State’s casino bidding entered its beauty-pageant phase, with the first seven contestants presenting plans to a state panel that will help award up to four full-scale licenses this year.
Its A Gamble But Pols and Contributions Are 777
Even as casino fever is intensifying near New York City, in Atlantic City, where the industry was once thriving, the picture
is much bleaker.
Revel, Atlantic City’s Newest and Largest Casino, Is Closing
* One company bidding to build a casino
in the Southern Tier is asking for more than $2.8 million in sales tax
breaks and $1.1 million in mortgage recording tax exemptions, Gannett
reports: http://goo.gl/2W9BF5
* Several casino bidders who say their
proposed projects would help revitalize upstate communities are also
seeking tens of millions of dollars in local property tax breaks,
Capital New York writes: http://goo.gl/Ig2VBX
Will the Pols and Lobbyists Make More $$$ From Gambling Than the State?
In Report, State Comptroller Is Cautious About Benefits of Casinos(NYP)
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
Why Are Gambling Interests Spending Millions to Build Casinos in NY When Betting is Dying in Atlantic City?
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
* 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
NYT Does Not Understand that Casinos in NY Are All About Campaign Contributions and Money for Lobbyists
It is Not About Fixing the State's Fiscal Problems
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
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.
* 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
's bid to dominate the downstate casino game
.* 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?
Silver's Genting's Lobbyists Genting’s
lobbyists in New York, according to state lobbying records,
include Patricia Lynch, a former top aide to the Democratic Assembly
speaker, Sheldon Silver, and Nicholas A. Spano, a former Republican
state senator and ex-state Senate staffer John Cordo and racing maven
Brian Meara. The company has also hired Knickerbocker SKD Jennifer
Cunningham, a close friend of Mr.
Cuomo’s, to do public relations work and Bradley Tusk, who was Mayor
Michael R. Bloomberg’s campaign manager in 2009, to assist with
planning. Genting even created an advocacy group called the New York
Gaming
Association, which is led by another prominent lobbyist, James
Featherstonhaugh. Delaware North, which runs two tracks and racinos in
the upstate Finger
Lakes region, paid $360,000 to three lobbying firms, including Lynch’s
and Meara’s. The horse-racing industry also has its stable of lobbyists.
The New York
Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association pays Featherstonhaugh $108,000 to
represent its interests.* The 22 entities vying to build casinos in New
York
appear to have
one thing in common: a willingness to use whatever political, financial
and public-relations muscle they can to win a casino license in a
process that is moving at a speedy pace.
* 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
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 spending, reports
$350 Million Investment Needed to Open Casino Closest to New York City, Panel Says(NYT)
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.
* 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
NYS casino board sets minimums for capital investments— $350 million for Dutchess and Orange Counties
Minimum casino investments state will require in Southern Tier counties much lower— at ~ $85 million
Caesars weighs closing Atlantic City casinos
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.
* 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.
A proposed casino development is in Tuxedo — only 41 miles away from New York City.
The Gambling Final 22
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
* 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.
* 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:
More on Gambling and Lobbyists $$$
* Gaming industry insiders have begun
to wonder if an off-track betting corporation can be a partner in a
casino team, something that the state’s Gaming Commission acting
director said he had not looked into, the Times Union reports: http://goo.gl/Hk21mx
Atlantic City casino earnings fell 35 percent in 2013
New York is forging ahead with its casino plans even though gambling revenue
is down across the country and other states are facing a saturation point with local gaming facilities.
Our wake-up scoop: James Featherstonhuagh is stepping down from the NY Gaming Association to focus on casino bid
A Long Shot on the Horses(WSJ)
A facelift at Aqueduct is part of $8.5 million in upgrades
recently announced by the track's operating body, the New York Racing
Association, to be spread across its three properties.
Whoa, missed this earlier. The developer behind the Nevele casino pleaded guilty to the assault of his sister in '07
Casino Developers Bet On the Catskills(WSJ)
The dream of gambling in the Catskills is set to take a big
step forward Monday when a state board opens the licensing process for
four upstate casinos.
* Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, a
Chicago law firm with gambling law specialists, was selected as the
consultant for the state board that will select casino bids in upstate
New York, the Times Union reports:
Empire Resorts Unveils Plan for $750 Million Casino in Catskills(NYT)
Gambling Update Fight for the $$$
* The state’s Gaming Commission’s
Facility Location Board will put out requests for applications for four
casinos in three upstate regions starting on Monday, Gannett Albany
reports: http://goo.gl/j22mWm
Catskills builders ready to roll dice on casino(NYP)
* 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)
_____________________________________
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
Casino foes use Mario Cuomo’s words against son Andrew(NYP)
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 Joins Battle For In New York |
New York Daily News *
Gov. Andrew Cuomo recorded a robocall
asking New York residents to vote yes on the ballot initiative to
legalize casino gambling in an effort funded by New York Jobs Now, State of Politics writes: * The voter drop-off for past constitutional amendments has been considerable. * Who Is Paying For the Anti-Casino Committee?(YNN) *
In Email, State Dems Boost Casino Amendment(YNN) * Gov.
Andrew Cuomo recorded an eleventh hour robocall for Prop. 1 – the
casino
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
NY casino vote draws Steve Wynn out of Philly(NYP)
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
* 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
New York City Voters Back Adding Casinos, Poll Finds (NYT)
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 : it received $200K from the hospitality union and $50K from Scientific Games Corp.
To Late to Fix the Wording Problem Good Government Groups Good At Getting Into the Press
Group says PAC for Proposal No. 1 funded by gambling firms
_____________________________________
Gambling in NY
Tons More Corrupt Money for Lobbyists and Pols
New York voters have approved a constitutional amendment to allow seven casinos; 57% voted in favor Voters saw on ballot: AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING CASINO GAMING - bold letters
- Press fiction re wording rejected by 1 judge and 1 million voters
Voters approve Vegas-style casino measure(NYP) *
New York voters backed an amendment to
the state constitution that would allow the development of seven
resort-style casinos, beginning with four upstate, with 58 percent of
voters supporting the measure, according to unofficial returns, the Times Union reports * N.Y. voters approve 7 Las Vegas-style casinos
GOOD NEWS FOR CUOMO — Casino referendum sails to passage, fueled by downstate voters — Capital's Jimmy Vielkind:
More than any other item on the ballot, the casino question can be seen
as a reflection on Cuomo. He proposed casinos as an engine of job
creation, and negotiated with legislative leaders to set parameters that
might make it happen: no licenses in areas where Indian tribes have
existing facilities, no casinos south of Westchester County for seven
years, and a competitive process that has drawn interest from operators
of existing slot parlors as well as several investors hoping to revive
former Borscht-belt resorts* Voters in NYC (except for Manhattan), Long Island and the Catskills were pro-casino *
How The Casino Amendment Fared In Areas Due To Get A Casino(YNN)\ * “The push to expand gambling was
a textbook case
of how well-financed interests can push Albany to embrace an industry,
hiring an army of lobbyists and wooing Mr. Cuomo and lawmakers with
millions of dollars in campaign contributions.”*
Casino support strongest where no casinos will go (Capital) *
The casino ballot language is, apparently, the gift that keeps on
giving* Bronx 73% 27%, Kings 57% 43%, Queens 64% 36%, Richmond
65% 35%,* Howard Glaser
took to Twitter to revel in – and brag about – the success of Prop. 1.* One of the largest groups of American Indian tribes
opposes deals like the one struck between the Oneida and Cuomo in May that would give the CNY tribe a 10-county monopoly on casinos
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
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. * State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
believes it would be a “mistake” to project significant ecomomic growth from expanding casinos in New York, but he’s neutral on Prop. 1.*
Lessons from Atlantic City(YNN) *
Donald Trump thinks the casino amendment will probably pass, and he’s voting for it.
New York City Voters Back Adding Casinos, Poll Finds (NYT) 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 *
Casino opponents urge voters to reject a Cuomo-supported gambling expansion in Tuesday's ballot measure: *
JCOPE member Marvin Jacob attacked
communications staffer for not clearing a press release about the new
executive director with members and for incorrectly saying the vote to
approve the commissioner was unanimous, Capitol Confidential writes: * Mario responds: “I made those statements in 1994,” the
former governor said. “A great deal has changed in 20 years. The New
York that I was dealing with was a different place. We didn’t have
casinos on every border. Gaming was only in Las Vegas and Atlantic
City.”*
NY’s Big Bet: Have Casinos Helped Other States?(YNN) *
Last-Minute Contributions To NY Jobs Now(YNN) *
A pro-casino robocall that doesn't mention casinos or gambling(Capital)
1/31/2013
Cuomo Being Squeezed By DiNapoli and Silver On His Gambling Site Plans
DiNapoli: 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
Gambling
NY legislative leaders say not so fast to Cuomo plan for 3 upstate casinos; NYC outer boroughs, L.I. may be in mix
* Queens leaders to oppose plans for a casino at Willets Point. Rally scheduled for February 6th. * More Than Three Casinos On Tap?(YNN)
1/29/30
Gambling
Sen. 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
Silver shows his hand(NYP) (Dicker, NYP) Bets on lobbyists in casino clash with Cuomo. Albany insiders are ridiculing Assembly Speaker’s Sheldon
Silver’s
latest issue, calling it, “The Lobbyist Protection Act of 2013.” That’s
because Silver is demanding that politically chosen lawmakers, and not
Gov. Cuomo’s new Gaming Commission, make the decision on where to locate
up to seven new gambling casinos in New York. “This could be
worth tens of millions of dollars in fees to lobbyists from gaming
interests across the country, and it could make that much more money for
many of Shelly’s friends,’’ said a source involved in preparing
gambling legislation. “Shelly knows that granting discretion to the Legislature to make
judgments like this means opening the spigot to huge lobbying dollars to
influence the decisions. And he knows, too, that where there are huge
lobbying dollars, there are huge contributions to be made to political
campaigns,’’ the source continued. * Cuomo’s new Gaming Commission is set to begin work in four days, but
no one knows who
the commissioners or executive director will be for a body that could
determine where New York’s first non-Indian casinos will be built.* A source
grumbled to Fred Dicker
that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s insistence that lawmakers have a
role in deciding where new casinos are located (if approved at all)
would enrich the speaker’s lobbyist friends.
\
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
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said
that the Legislature should have a voice in choosing where casinos will
be located in the state, after Gov. Cuomo proposed that his new State
Gaming Commission would choose the sites, The Buffalo News reports: * NY1 Online: Speaker Silver Discusses State Budget, Teacher Evaluations * Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
are at odds over
deciding where new casinos should be located (assuming the
constitutional amendment allowing their creation is given second passage
and receives public approval).*
Silver Injects Drama Into No-Drama Budget(YNN)
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
Casino Firms May Sit Out Public Debate(WSJ) Several major casino companies said they probably won't
financially support an advocacy campaign for a public referendum on
gambling in New York, a potential blow to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to
expand casino gambling across the state.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said
that before a constitutional amendment is made that would expand Las
Vegas-style table games, the Legislature would have to decide where to
put new casinos in the state Silver: Name Casino Sites
1/17/2013
WSJ: Major casino companies, unimpressed by upstate locations, may sit out casino debate in N.Y.
Casino Firms May Sit Out Public Debate(WSJ) Several major casino companies said they probably won't
financially support an advocacy campaign for a public referendum on
gambling in New York, a potential blow to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to
expand casino gambling across the state.
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
Cuomo said that because of a contract
with the Seneca Nation of Indians that prohibits any casinos in a large
area of Western New York, casinos in that part of the state would not be
a part of his gambling expansion package, The Buffalo News writes: * The mayor of Lake George is calling for a casino study in Warren County, just as Cuomo has proposed three initial non-Indian run casinos somewhere upstate.
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
Here is Where the Gambling Owners and Lobbyist Go to Work
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)
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.*
Convention Center Push Pull: Lobbyists vs. City Power
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
Javits Center Plans Are Deflating for Architects
Pols Hit the Jackpot With Racino's Genting
Racino donates $100,000 to pols (NYDN) Genting
donated $20,000 to the Senate Republicans’ reelection arm in November —
and $10,000 to a similar Democratic committee. Genting also gave
$10,000 to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, but did not give directly
to Cuomo. The donations are on top of the $1 million in Albany lobbying
Genting spent last year.
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
A Gambling Monopoly
The
NYP says Cuomo’s proposed convention center at the Aqueduct racetrack
is a bigger gamble than thought, because operator Genting wants a
monopoly in the region
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
________________________________
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) *
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:
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- Panel Member Also Part Of Group Pushing Casino Gambling Amendment |
New York Daily News * . wants
more casinos in New York State. Here's what hes up to post-mayoral race:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)
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 $$$
Sounds like the BOE Spokesperson is Epstein's mother from Welcome Back Kotter
Update NYS BOE Excuse The state Board of Elections blamed
logistics and a sick employee for failing to post the rewording of the
state’s casino referendum online until after the deadline to challenge
it, the Associated Press reports
Was the Wording of the Referendum not publicized until it would be too late for a legal challenge? Albany Jackpot: The Same Crooks That Got Away With the AEG Robbery Are Still Making $$$ 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( * 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)
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
New York City Voters Back Adding Casinos, Poll Finds (NYT)
mailer in support of the casino gaming amendment.
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. * 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( * 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
------------------------------
A Children is Shot
Michael Powell
