Like other states across the US, New York is currently exploring options that could see it dramatically expand the gambling opportunities for state residents, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo calling for a constitutional amendment that would permit expanded table games such as poker, roulette, poker, and craps instead of video gaming terminals alone.
New York residents spend an estimated $3 billion per year at out-of-state casinos in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that have table games with dealers; the nine race tracks (or "racinos") in New York are currently only able to offer video blackjack, slots, and other casino games.
A recent study shows that New York's nine racinos have about a $2 billion impact on local economies and are responsible for more than 17,000 jobs, points raised by racinos making the case that they alone should be allowed to offer expanded casino games instead of new companies such as Genting Group looking to enter the fray with brand new casinos similar t what's found in Las Vegas and Atlantic City..
Genting has proposed an ambitious plan that would see it transform Aqueduct racetrack into a resort-style gambling destination, first building one of the largest convention centers in the US and then later adding a casino if state law was amended to allow it.
While Genting would foot much of the cost for the project, it is rumored to be lobbying for being the sole operator granted a license for expanded casinos in New York state -- a move that would be fiercely opposed by existing racino operators in the state.
Any expansion of gaming legislation will take quite some time, however, as it would need to be approved by two separately elected state legislatures and New York voters in a public referendum, with November 2013 the earliest date it could appear on a ballot.
