Authorizes the conducting of casino gambling upon premises licensed to conduct both horse race meetings and pari-mutuel wagering; provides for the regulation of such gambling by the legislature.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9010
SPONSOR: Pretlow TITLE OF BILL: CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY
proposing an amendment to section 9 of article 1 of the constitution, in
relation to authorizing gambling and the conducting of games of chance
upon premises licensed to conduct both horse race meetings and pari-mu-
tuel wagering thereon
PURPOSE: Authorizes conducting of casino gambling at harness horse
racing tracks thoroughbred horse race meetings
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section 1. That section 9 of article 1 of the
constitution be amended by adding a new subdivision 3 to read as
follows:
3. Notwithstanding subdivision one of this section, racetracks author-
ized to conduct either harness horse race meetings or thoroughbred horse
race meetings and pari-mutuel wagering thereon as authorized pursuant to
subdivision one of this section, may be authorized, by law and subject
to state legislative supervision and control, to conduct gambling and
games of chance upon the premises of such a racetrack. The state shall
derive reasonable revenue from such gambling and games for expenses
incurred in the regulation thereof and for the support of government.
The legislature shall pass appropriate laws to establish and maintain
their supervision and control of the conduct of gambling and games of
chance authorized pursuant to this subdivision including, but not limit-
ed to, laws to describe the games of chance that may be conducted, to
prevent offenses against any of the provisions in this subdivision, to
effectuate the purposes of the provisions of this subdivision, to
prevent participation by criminal and other undesirable elements, and to
prevent the diversion of finds from the purposes authorized.
JUSTIFICATION: The revenues generated from the Video Lottery Terminals
bring enormous benefits to the State of New York especially-in the form
of aid to education. Taking Video Lottery Terminals one step further and
allowing casino gaming at harness horse racing tracks, will undoubtedly
bring additional revenue to the state of New York. Furthermore, casino
gaming would create tens of thousands of new jobs, bringing in even more
revenue. This bill will ultimately let the people decide whether they
want to have gaming in New York State.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: None.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Unknown
EFFECTIVE DATE: That the foregoing amendment be referred to the first
regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general
election of members of the assembly, and in conformity with section 1 of
article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to
the time of such election.
