Great news in the looming fight to legalize casinos in New York: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said he is opposed to placing a casino in Manhattan or any of the surrounding boroughs, according to the New York Daily News.
That’s a good first step but Silver’s logic is flawed. If casinos are a bad bet for Manhattan (and they are), how are they OK for the Catskills or Saratoga Springs? The same problems that would come from a casino in Manhattan would follow a casino anywhere in the state.
Silver correctly understands the negative impact of casinos in New York City. His opposition is good, considering Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently floated the idea of legalizing casinos in the state. Silver will wield considerable power and influence over any effort to legalize casinos.
Of course, elected officials are prone to saying no to legislation as part of a broader negotiating tool. Just take a look at this recent post to see how the powerful House Speaker in Massachusetts changed his position on gambling.