Griffo Criticizes Gaming Board’s Decision

Senator Joseph Griffo says the State Gaming Facility Location Board "made a terrible mistake," by recommending that three developers get licenses to build casinos in New York State.

The senator cites the fact that economic situations have forced the closing of four casinos in New Jersey in the last nine months - and a fifth one is currently in bankruptcy.

"These proposed developments have been billed as a panacea to all problems: adding jobs, increasing aid to schools and lowering property taxes," Griffo said. "After witnessing what has transpired in our neighboring state, I’m less convinced. My calls to the board to place a temporary moratorium on development were ignored. My concern remains that the addition of three new properties to the 17 casinos and racinos already in existence will oversaturate the market."

Griffo says the commission's biggest error was granting a license to build in Tyre which is as close to Syracuse as the Turning Stone Casino is, forcing local casinos to compete for the same consumer dollars instead of spreading the casinos out.

Griffo added, "It's my hope that the State Gaming Commission will undo what its board has recommended after a more thorough evaluation of the facts."