From the start, the Cuomo administration has not leveled with the public about the full impact of casinos in New York. So why start now?
The proposed ballot measure that will be presented to voters in November says that changing the state Constitution to allow casinos will be “promoting job growth, increasing aid to schools, and permitting local governments to lower property taxes.”
The Associated Press reported that Cuomo had a heavy hand in wordsmithing the ballot language. “Before it was recast by Cuomo and the Legislature, the referendum stated simply: ‘The purpose of the proposed amendment to section 9 of article 1 of the constitution is to allow the Legislature to authorize and regulate up to seven casinos. If approved, the amendment would permit commercial casino gambling in New York state,’ ” the AP’s Mike Gormley reported.
Polls indicate voters are evenly divided over legalizing casinos. So wording that promises jobs, lower taxes and more school funding could help tip the scales on Election Day.
Of course, there is no mention of the many social and economic costs that come with casinos. Studies show that casinos also result in increased crime, personal bankruptcy, divorce and suicide. Studies also show that those living close to casino have a increased chance of becoming a problem gambler. Still other studies have found that casinos also result in job losses at other existing businesses like restaurants and retailers that can’t compete. One study by Baylor University professor Earl Grinols found that every $1 casinos bring in results in $3 in increased social costs. (See here for other costs.)
But when it comes to casinos, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other gambling boosters usually oversell and under deliver. That’s what happens in other states that have legalized casinos. See Pennsylvania where many residents are still waiting for casinos to produce $1 billion in property tax relief.
A New York Daily News editorial said Cuomo is “not playing straight” with voters on casinos. “The forces pushing for expanded gambling in New York — including Gov. Cuomo — are perverting the constitutional amendment process by putting what amounts to a pro-casino campaign advertisement on the ballot this fall,” the Daily News editorial said. The New York Times said the wording should be simple and straightforward.
In addition to the disingenuous wording, Cuomo also placed the casino referendum at the top of the ballot to make sure voters don’t forget to vote for it. See a previous post on that maneuverer here. This is all part of the broader misleading campaign to ram the casino measure past the public without holding public hearings or conducting an independent cost-benefit analysis that measures the true impact of casinos.
New York’s Roman Catholic bishops voiced deep concern over the increased social costs that will come with more gambling if Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to legalize commercial casinos is approved.
