State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo (R-Rome) has renewed his call for the state to approve a ballot initiative to allow New Yorkers to vote on the expansion of casino gambling. Griffo, whose district …
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State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo (R-Rome) has renewed his call for the state to approve a ballot initiative to allow New Yorkers to vote on the expansion of casino gambling.
Griffo, whose district includes Massena, Potsdam and the eastern portion of St. Lawrence County, reiterated his message during a hearing of the Senate Standing Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering.
The committee is holding hearings this week, in Canandaigua, Albany and Long Island, to discuss creating legislation to expand casino gambling and the condition of the horse racing industry in New York.
“Nationally, we’ve seen that the number of states that have commercial gambling casinos continues to grow – some states are looking to approve new measures to allow or expand it. The explosion of internet-based gambling outlets has also sparked conversation over what kinds of gaming is poised for growth and which kinds are due to struggle,” Griffo said.
Griffo said the Senate committee’s intent is to collect information that will lead to the introduction of legislation specifically aimed to address regulatory concerns on the expansion of gambling in New York. Griffo is one of the sponsors of a bill (Senate # 5426) that would allow for a referendum on casino gambling and a bill to aid the struggling racing industry (Senate # 3903A).
An identical casino gaming bill passed the Senate last year, and Griffo believes that renewed attention has sparked movement toward pushing the measure.
“The Governor’s recent public statements that his Administration would seriously examine changing the laws that limited gambling, speaks volumes,” Griffo added. “In a challenging economic climate, all New Yorkers should have a voice if we move ahead in significantly expanding gaming options.”