Voters in New York approved a constitutional amendment by a margin of 57-43 percent
to allow the expansion of casino gambling in parts of the Empire State.
There are already five Indian-run casinos in the upstate region. The gambling industry had long been pressing to establish casinos elsewhere saying betting will bring jobs to the Albany, Catskills-Hudson Valley and other economically struggling areas,
The New York Times reported.
Opponents of the gambling measure were outspent.
Democrats led by Gov. Andrew Cuomo supported the change. Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who initially opposed,
softened his opposition.
New Yorkers have been traveling to Atlantic City, N.J. or to the Foxwoods casino in Connecticut to satisfy their urge to gamble.
Casinos will not be permitted in downstate New York City for at least seven years,
the National Review reports.
In Boston,
voters rejected a proposal supported by the Democratic establishment to build a $1 billion casino in East Boston.
There, the poorly-financed opposition won the day with the support of small-business owners.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.