Griffo Criticizes Gaming Board's Decision

“The Gaming Facility Location Board made a terrible mistake today by recommending that three developers receive gaming licenses.

Since voters narrowly approved the referendum in November 2013, economic conditions have changed so rapidly that four New Jersey casinos closed within nine months – and a fifth is in bankruptcy.

These proposed developments have been billed as a panacea to all problems: adding jobs, increasing aid to schools and lowering property taxes. After witnessing what has transpired in our neighboring state, I’m less convinced. My calls to the board to place a temporary moratorium on development were ignored. My concern remains that the addition of three new properties to the 17 casinos and racinos already in existence will oversaturate the market.

The commission’s biggest error was granting a license to build in Tyre, which is as close to Syracuse as Vernon, the site of the existing Turning Stone Casino Resort, is. This will result in a near zero sum game, where local casinos and racinos will largely compete for the same scarce dollars to the detriment of them all.

Governor Cuomo said today that the state had nothing to lose in awarding these licenses. As someone who fights for the well being of Central New York, I could not disagree more. It’s my hope that the state Gaming Commission will undo what its board has recommended after a more thorough evaluation of the facts.”