Judge Rejects New York Casino Referendum Challenge

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging a referendum on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to authorize seven more casinos in New York, ruling it was filed too late.

The suit by Brooklyn lawyer Eric Snyder contested the language of the Nov. 5 ballot proposition, claiming it was biased in favor of approval. It was reworded by the Cuomo administration and legislative leaders to promise benefits including jobs, lower taxes and school aid without mentioning any potential downside to casinos, including problem gambling and crime.

Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard Platkin released his decision Wednesday. Snyder says he'll appeal the ruling.

The state successfully argued the lawsuit was filed too late. The Board of Elections didn't post the new wording to its website until Aug. 23, days after the deadline to file a suit.