New York Casino Decision Looms

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A state board will soon announce the winning bids for up to four casinos in upstate New York.

Supporters of the 16 proposals vying for a casino license have spent more than $10 million on lobbying and campaign donations in the last two years. Nevertheless officials involved in the decision say it will come down to the merits of the proposals and not politics.

The state's Gaming Facility Location Board plans to announce its decision Wednesday in Albany.

Up to four licenses can be awarded, divided among three regions: the Albany-Saratoga area, the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region and the Catskills and mid-Hudson Valley.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he's staying out of the process. Members of the panel say they're considering the viability of the projects and their potential economic impact.