Deal on the Table to Allow 2,000 Slot Machines on LI

John Mitty Thursday, June 20, 2013

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and other lawmakers reached a deal last night which would allow up to 2,000 slot machine terminals to open up on Long Island.  Lawmakers have been discussing the possibility of legal gambling on Long Islandfor a number of months now.  Currently, Long Island gamblers have to take their business to other states (gambling is illegal state-wide in New York).  That’s a lot of money leaving the state, which could be used to bolster the local economy if officials could keep gamblers from crossing state lines.

Under the deal, it is likely that there will be two new casinos constructed, one inNassau and one in Suffolk.  Officials have also discussed the possibility of opening a single gambling facility along the Nassau-Suffolk line.  Either way, it is important to the governor that both counties on the island be able to derive equal benefit from the move.  This would be the first step in making gambling legal and accessible throughout New York state.  Other casinos would likely follow, constructed upstate.  If gamblers are able to spend their money without traveling, it could potentially help to keep millions of dollars inside a state which has been struggling not only with the recession, but also the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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