SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) – The Saratoga Springs City Council has unanimously approved a resolution opposing the expansion of casino gambling in the city known for its historic thoroughbred racetrack.
Local media report that about 300 people attended Tuesday’s vote on the non-binding resolution that was authored by Mayor Joanne Yepsen, who took office earlier this year.
The five-member council says it doesn’t support the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act passed in a statewide referendum last November. The law allows four Las Vegas-style casinos in upstate New York.
A majority of voters in Saratoga County and Saratoga Springs voted against expanding casino gambling.
The Saratoga Casino & Raceway harness track is the likely front-runner for landing one of the full-scale casinos.
Opponents say a casino would harm Saratoga’s thriving downtown and the 150-year-old Saratoga Race Course.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
