Deal Reached to Allow 4 Upstate NY Casinos

The deal also authorizes two video slot centers of 1,000 machines each on Long Island run by off-track betting agencies

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders say they have a deal to authorize four upstate New York casinos that would drive jobs and tourism to the long economically distressed area.

The agreement will allow four Las Vegas-style resort casinos upstate: In the Southern Tier near Binghamton, the Hudson Valley-Catskills area, the Albany area and a fourth possibly planned for the Catskills. One region may get two casinos.

The deal also authorizes two video slot centers of 1,000 machines each on Long Island run by the off-track betting agencies of Suffolk and Nassau counties.

Voters will have the final say this fall on a referendum that would open the way for up to seven non-Indian casinos statewide over several years.

More deals are expected to be announced Wednesday.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
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