On Election Day in November 2013, New York voters took the unprecedented step of approving non-tribal casino gaming in the state. By the addition of 17 words to the state constitution, the dream of casino gaming—a dream many have been waiting more than 40 years for—became reality. But, it is 2014 and there are no casinos yet. Where are they? This article discusses the road map created by the governor and the Legislature to bring the “dream” of casino gaming to the Empire State and when it will occur.
Where Have We Been?
Article I, Section 9, Subdivision 1 of the state constitution makes it clear that no gambling can occur in New York:
no lottery or the sale of lottery tickets, pool-selling, book-making, or any other kind of gambling…shall hereafter be authorized or allowed within this state; and the Legislature shall pass appropriate laws to prevent offenses against any of the provisions of this section.
