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In the state of New York, there are only a few ways to gamble: the lottery and racetracks. Gamblers can visit the racetracks and wager on the races as well as the other lottery style games available. However, gamblers cannot enjoy traditional casino games such as blackjack and poker. The state is currently hurting for money so many supporters of table games are trying to get legislation passed which would see the games added to the state’s racetracks. Politicians in the state are seriously considering adding blackjack and poker to the racetracks. There have been talks that the Saratoga Casino and Raceway will be adding the new games and become a type of mini casino. Supporters of the games think this is the perfect way for the state to generate much needed revenue.
Several top officials have shown their support of the table games being added to the land casinos. Roy McDonald a republican senator of the state commented that he is open to allowing gambling in New York as long as it does not impact the horse racing industry especially the Saratoga racetrack in a negative light.
McDonald went on to say that new gaming options are a brilliant idea and the idea will be explored to the fullest this year. However, not everyone is on board for casino gaming at the race tracks. The New York Horse Racing Association released a statement which read that the idea of blackjack games is preposterous and it will be contradicting the virtues of horse racing.
It will be interesting to see who will win out on this argument. It seems money always wins and the state is in desperate need of extra cash, so hopefully they will add the new casino games and gamblers will have even more choices when it comes to wagering in New York State.
2011-09-18
