The City Council approved on Thursday a measure that would legalize casinos in certain corners of the five boroughs — though over a dozen lawmakers voted against it.
The council passed the “Gaming Facility Text Amendment,” which Mayor Eric Adams’ administration introduced last year in conjunction with council leadership, by a 35 to 15 vote on April 18. The city’s legislature had approved the plan after it cleared the City Planning Commission last month.
The zoning changes would make it possible to open casinos in certain commercial and manufacturing districts across the Big Apple, as the gaming facilities are not permitted under current zoning rules. The amendment will only apply to casinos that nab one of three coveted downstate licenses which New York state is looking to award as soon as next year.
