Belmont Getting a Casino?

The state of New York might be pushing its luck when it comes to slot machines in the state. They are now looking at possibly adding in more slot machines to Belmont and giving them a casino. This announcement literally comes days after Senate Republicans agree to who should run the slot machine end of the ones at the Aqueduct racetrack in Queens.

Senator Dean Skelos is the majority leader of the New York Senate, and in a statement he released on Monday, he said that he wanted to see slot machines at Belmont by January 1st of next year. He is calling on Governor David Paterson, the legislature and the New York Racing Association to make it happen.

Skelos says that his constituents want the slot machines brought in and that he has already met with many people who have “unique and exciting economic development proposals” for the racetrack. He wants to sell the development rights to the track on behalf of the state and local taxpayers.

Some think that this new move is simply politically motivated and that Skelos is simply trying to hold onto his job. It is no secret that he and other Republican legislatures are likely to be shown the door this upcoming Election Day, and perhaps he is trying to hold that off. The Democrats have already shown an interest in this plan, and it could be Skelos’ way of holding off the wolves.

The only problem is those that don’t want to see the slot machines brought in, which is most of the Republicans in the state. Skelos doesn’t want to lose the little votes he has.

 

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