The constitution is supposed to be the legal foundation of our state, but on casino gambling, multiple amendments and federal preemptions have all but eviscerated the original intent of the constitutional ban on gambling.

But with our state facing an ongoing budget crisis, a severe lack of jobs in many of its regions, and the need for an enhanced base for tourism from which to draw customers, it may be time to reconsider the ban overall.  Could a streamlined and modernized constitutional policy keep more dollars in state, create jobs and generate much needed revenues for our schools, hospitals and other core services?

The increased state funds from gambling could allow us to again be a progressive leader on the issues that matter most to New Yorkers, including education, healthcare and environmental protection. Casino gambling could also be a shot in the arm to get our economy moving again.

In 2010, New York State’s total revenues from gaming were $2.7 billion, most of it from the lottery ($2.2 billion).  Revenue estimates based upon permitting current Video Lottery Terminal locations to offer table games, or on allowing new commercial casinos altogether, range from hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars a year.  In addition, increased business at state-licensed casinos could be a boon to local economies, including the Catskills and Upstate New York, where jobs and new investment continue to be scarce.