A recent poll suggests an increase in New York state residents’ support of an amendment that would allow non-Indian owned, Las Vegas-style casinos in the Empire State.
The Siena Research Institute (SRI), a part of Siena College, released data indicating a two point spike in favor of a state constitutional adaptation, while opposition dropped eight points, according to Steven Greenberg, a political poll spokesperson for the Institute. Currently 52 percent of voters approve of the establishment of such gambling facilities, while 38 percent oppose, a change from the 50-46 percent margin in April.
With support from Governor Cuomo, the Legislature passed a resolution in March to allow up to seven commercial casinos in the state. In order to amend the Constitution, the proposed measure would have to pass the Legislature a second time and then added as a referendum on the 2013 ballots for voters to decide.
“We are likely to see fluctuation over the course of the next 14 months,” said Greenberg of the statistics currently favoring the casinos. “There will be millions of dollars being spent by those in support and those in opposition.”
Although the spokesman could not speculate at an explanation of the voter fluctuation, he said, “Obviously we will watch the issue and monitor it if the Legislature does do a second passage. We will be looking at it intensely
in a variety of ways [for explanations].”
Leaders of several Indian-run gaming casinos have expressed their concern about the amendment, while those in favor have espoused arguments for state revenue opportunities and job creation.
Supporters used the same arguments to promote the opening of World Resorts Casino in Jamaica last year. Despite its name, the gaming facility is actually a racino, only allowing for video gaming machines or games fitting with the criteria of a “predetermined outcome.” The casinos potentially permitted by the amendment are defined as having “games of chance,” commonly associated with the use of tables and dealers.
According to Greenberg, legislators have given no indication as to the location of the possible seven gaming establishments or whether New York City would allow one. SRI conducts the monthly Siena New York Poll, a snapshot of opinions of registered voters from throughout New York State on timely political topics.
By Katie Riordan
