From Times Union – The gaming industry is optimistic voters will approve Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s casino expansion plan in November — despite almost no promotion by the governor.
“I can tell you this referendum is going to pass,” said James Featherstonhaugh, president of the New York Gaming Association, on Wednesday.
Featherstonhaugh refused to disclose why he has reversed his earlier pessimism, https://www.thisweekingambling.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpalthough he said the blueprint negotiated by the state Legislature and Cuomo is fair. He is part owner of Saratoga Casino and Raceway, a racino in Saratoga Springs.
Private polls are turning up strong support, others in the gaming industry said.
Featherstonhaugh’s comments came at the Saratoga Institute on Racing & Gaming Law, sponsored by the Government Law Center and Albany Law School.
The conference drew about 100 lobbyists, lawyers and public officials concerned with state gaming policies.
Several agreed the chances are good that expanded gambling is likely to be authorized by New Yorkers. Leaders of the Legislatures’s gaming committees, Sen. John Bonacic and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, said it seems certain. Pretlow said it would be difficult for opposition forces to secure the funds needed to run ads in New York City.
Attendees did not seem concerned Cuomo has been almost silent on the referendum, which as been two years in the making.
The governor has said he may turn attention to it in October. Featherstonhaugh said he expects a campaign to begin after Labor Day.
Many speculated the governor doesn’t want the casino issue to get tangled up in the New York City mayoral primary race, which winds up next month.
