Governor Patterson Looking To Make New York A Gambling Empire

The state of New York has the five boroughs, the Yankees, Broadway, and the Statue of Liberty. One thing that it never has been known for is their gambling. That may soon be changing.

Governor David Patterson is proposing major expansion of legalized gambling in the state. The money, he claims, is necessary to try and balance a budget deficit that is growing by the day.

"We believe that there is room for responsible growth in the gaming industry to help the state manage its fiscal difficulties," said Matt Anderson, a state budget spokesman.

Patterson's first order of business is to expand the operating hours for video lottery halls and Quick Draw games in the state. In addition, Patterson is proposing that more multi-state lotteries be added for New York residents.

"The expanded gambling would be a good thing. The more options people have, the more gambling they will do. At the end of the day, hopefully it will mean less taxes for us to pay," said New York resident, Barry Shifter.

The money generated from the expanded gambling would go towards a budget deficit that is expected to be over $15 billion by the end of the next fiscal year. It is estimated that over $300 million would be gained in expanded gambling revenue under Patterson's plan in the next two years.

December 25, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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