State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) on Wednesday released a statement on the kicking off of the bidding process for three Downstate casino licenses.
“When mobile sports betting went live in New York nearly one year ago, the New York State Gaming Commission did an incredible job in outlining the rules, regulations and timeline for operators to provide New Yorkers with top-of-the-line products. And the benefits from that decision are now being felt across the state as New York has already taken in more than $500 million in tax revenue in just about one year,” said Addabbo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering. “I am looking forward to a transparent, accurate and speedy process from the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, under the guidance of the Gaming Commission, as they unanimously voted to issue a Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit proposals for up to three commercial casinos in New York State. I have faith that the Location Board will thoroughly examine each RFA and make the best short- and long-term decision, based on their set of criteria. The quicker the three licenses are approved, the quicker we can begin to realize the major benefits to the state, such as thousands of construction and post-construction jobs, billions in revenue from the licenses, an increase in problem gambling monies and programs, as well as billions more in educational funding when the winning casinos go live.”
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