New York governor Andrew Cuomo, the driving force behind the push for expanded casino gambling in New York, is having second thoughts on pushing a casino referendum this year, citing concern that the referendum will fall flat on its face because city voters are not yet ready to give give the green light on his proposals to expand casinos in the state.
“That is a major issue that has come up,” Cuomo remarked, as quoted by the New York Daily News. As it turns, the governor isn’t ready to gamble on getting the necessary votes to pass the referendum and has warmed up to the idea of pushing it back to a later date. The move can be attributed as a sign that the governor isn’t confident to get the results he’s looking for even after discussions with state legislative leaders earlier this year seemed to suggest that progress was being made on the Cuomo’s dramatic plans to expand casino gambling in New York. As part of his vision, Cuomo is looking into authorizing “up to seven” gaming establishments throughout the state, including three destination casinos in New York.
But after it appears that city voters have not warmed up to his ideas, the governor is calling an audible with his plans to push the referendum this year. It appears that he’s invoking his “live to fight another day” card, a move that would give him, as well as proponents of his plans, to convince city voters that having more casinos in the state is a good idea.
It’s a bit of a gamble in itself, but it’s something the governor is apparently willing to make. Better save those bullets for the day when you have more people on your side of the fence.
