New York (AP) — Senate Deputy Majority Leader Thomas Libous, R-Binghamton, says the Legislature should authorize more than the three casinos now proposed in order to stand a chance of approving a constitutional amendment to expand gambling.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing that the Legislature authorize three casinos upstate. That vote requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment this fall to allow casinos off Indian land.
Libous says for that referendum to pass, more casinos upstate including within his district, New York City’s boroughs or on Long Island should be added. Otherwise, he said turnout might not be strong
enough in an off-year election to pass the measure.
The biggest voter turnout will be for the New York City mayor’s race, rather than any statewide races.
Libous emphasized he wasn’t speaking for his conference.
