According to New York voters, a rose by any other name wouldn’t smell just as sweet.
A Siena College Poll released Monday reported that New Yorkers would support a casino gaming constitutional amendment – as long as they are asked using the language slated to appear on November’s ballot.
When asked if they would vote yes or no to approve an amendment to “allow the Legislature to authorize up to seven casinos in New York state for the legislated purposes of promoting job growth increasing aid to schools, and permitting local governments to lower property taxes through revenues generated,” 55 percent of those polled said they would back it – compared to 42 percent who said they would not.
However, when those same people were asked if they “support or oppose passing an amendment to the state constitution to allow non-Indian, Las Vegas style casinos to be built in New York,” those numbers drop to 46 percent of voters backing it and 46 percent not.
A majority of voters – 51 percent – reported they believed the language on the ballot for the proposed amendment is fair, agreeing that it highlights “the benefits for New Yorkers,” while 43 percent said “it only includes arguments in support, ignoring arguments in opposition.”
“Clearly the wording on the ballot for the casino amendment matters,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. “When voters are asked a generic casino gambling amendment question they are evenly divided, with New York City voters opposed and downstate suburban voters and upstaters mildly supportive. However, when voters were provided the specific wording they will see on the ballot, a majority of voters from every region and from every party say, ‘yes,’ they would approve the casino amendment.”
The vote on the amendment is a push by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to legalize full gambling and bring casinos to different parts of the state – but, in the beginning, zero the New York City area. A number of Queens legislators have been outraged that the governor wouldn’t expand gaming at Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park, and people like Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) have called on Cuomo to bring table games to Queens. The politicians have said such an expansion would bring much-needed jobs to an economy still floundering after Hurricane Sandy.
By Anna Gustafson
