It is alleged that a group close to Governor Coumo has received a couple of million dollars from parties interested in gambling even as the Legislature approved a constitutional amendment to allow privately owned casinos in New York.
The amendment has to be approved by lawmakers and then voters to make it operative. If finally approved, we may soon see seven full-scale privately owned casinos in New York State worth billions of dollars.
Not surprisingly, Albany is rumored to be the city likely to be benefited by the new amendment. The capital city of New York State has a thriving night life. After all, it has a favorable geographical location. It is equidistant between Montreal and New York City and also in close proximity to Buffalo and Boston.
Politically, casino interests leave no stone unturned to have their way. It is reported that gambling companies, casinos, and Indian tribes fund heavily to federal candidates.
But Mr.Cuomo has disputed he was influenced by money from the gambling industry – even though he has said in a speech earlier that his support to legalize gambling is for the jobs that casino industry can generate.
An outside chance for gambling and casinos in Texas
Legalized casinos and gambling are hot topics in the State of Texas. Budgetary shortfall has forced the state senator to ask his legislators to consider a gaming bill that can generate potential revenue to avert cuts in spending in health care and education.
But there are obstacles in the way. According to a study, nobody has been able to bring a concrete plan that convinces that gambling and casinos will benefit everybody in the Texas counties.
Second, anti-gaming forces have a strong say in Texas. They have been controlling key committee positions for the past number of years.
The general consensus is a gaming referendum will pass. That is because the public in Texas want gaming and casinos in their state.
They have a strong reason too. Every year Texans spend close to $2.5 billion in casinos and gambling in other states. Surely they feel this money, if spent in their own state, can boost businesses.
Is Taunton ready for Las Vegas style gambling?
As recently as April this year parents in Taunton were concerned that a tribal casino is likely to come up near East Taunton Elementary School. They were apprehensive that a surge in traffic will pose risks of accidents as well as have an adverse effect on the quality of life.
Things aren’t decided as the debate rages on various issues. Some people feel the dangers are overstated as the school as per them is set way off.
Those against gambling have other worries. They feel with casinos in the neighborhood, the character of the locality will undergo a paradigm shift. Traditionally, the area is known to be a closely knit community.
But the talk in recent weeks is revolved around whether Taunton will soon have full-fledged gambling. The lure is new jobs and the potential of millions of dollars to rake in.
Everybody is keeping their fingers crossed. The discussions will be hot and will justify on whether the economy should rebuild on casinos and gambling.