Editorial: On NY gambling, enough is enough – Plattsburgh Press Republican

The question of whether New York state has enough gambling outlets is on a lot of minds lately.In fact, some people have been saying for quite some time that the state has well more than enough.

To our way of thinking, public gambling has gone from virtually off limits to plentiful. Adding more would produce seriously diminishing returns.

As recently as the mid 20th century, gambling was considered by many a moral affront. Ironically, religious and philanthropic organizations used it in fundraising efforts while chastising those who endorsed it as a money-making and tax-producing mechanism.

In our region, only Saratoga Race Course has enjoyed full government and public approval over the generations.

But, as other gambling venues began to thrive in other states, New Yorkers wondered if they were missing out on something lucrative. The Atlantic City casinos may have begun the second-guessing.

Native-American gambling enterprises sprang up as the tribes negotiated with the federal and state governments over Indian rights.

In the North Country, we have the Akwesasne Casino in Hogansburg and, on a much smaller scale, the Ganienkeh bingo and slot-machine operation in Altona.

Meanwhile, the state lottery has become a central factor in many peoples daily lives.

New state-chartered casinos were approved in three regions of the state, including one in Schenectady, and Massachusetts is among nearby states where gambling parlors are either open or about to be.

The New York State Legislature is now considering allowing online poker. The beneficiary would be state education, as is the case with the lottery.

Currently, New York is home to 11 Native American casinos, nine racinos and the three state-approved casinos. Last year, the legislature added sports betting to the states list of allowable gambling opportunities.

Vernon Downs Racetrack in Oneida County is threatening to close down because of too much competition from other kinds of gambling.

So the question people are asking these days is, Is there too much gambling in New York to go around? It used to be, Is New York too prudish for its own good by not allowing public gambling?

The tone of the debate has switched entirely, from moral and ethical to practical.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo was a proponent of the new casinos. His father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo, was steadfast in his opposition to gambling.

It has become clear that something can be learned from each. Weve not heard an avalanche of complaints that state-sanctioned gambling has ruined lives and families on a large scale across the state.

On the other hand, when institutions such as Vernon Downs are threatened by competition from other gambling venues, its time to assess the inventory.

Imagine, for example, if Saratoga Race Course were jeopardized by the lure of other gambling offerings. The New York Racing Authority is having trouble enough without taking gambling competition into account.

It may be time to draw the line. The gambling market may finally be saturated.

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Editorial: On NY gambling, enough is enough - Plattsburgh Press Republican