What Do You Think about the Constitutional Amendment to Legalize Gaming in New York?

Let's talk about the current efforts to amend the New York State Constitution to allow for legalized casino gambling. This is an issue that should be of interest to all New Yorkers.  New York already has gambling and casinos at nine racetrack casinos across the state and at five Indian-owned casinos. However, as a state we have not regulated gaming or capitalized on it the way we should. Many people do not realize that the nine racetrack casinos generate billions of dollars for our schools. Approximately 70% of their revenues go the the state and the racetrack casinos operate their businesses off a mere 30% of the revenue. With the state serving as the majority partner in these businesses, it seems nonsensical that we would prohibit them from offering table games to their customers, and handicap them in their efforts to compete against the full-fledged casinos in the surrounding areas, Connecticut and New Jersey especially. Reports show that New Yorkers spend $3-5 BILLION every year on gaming outside of New York. We cannot continue to allow this money to flow out of the state because our jobs are flowing out right along with it.  It's important that New Yorkers have one location to find news and research about the prospect of amending the casino and the potential economic impact and job creation that this proposal will have on our state.  Follow this blog http://nycasinos.blogspot.com and on twitter at @nycasinos.

But most importantly, share your thoughts on the proposed constitutional amendment to legalize gaming.  Do you think the nearly $1 Billion in economic development and the thousands of jobs that will be produced by these corporations as a result will help your city/town?  Share your thoughts.