Report: Gambling lobby in NY spent $20M in 2 years
Report: Gambling interests spend $20M in 2 years in NY campaign contributions, lobbying
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A report says gambling interests have spent nearly $20 million over two years on campaign contributions and lobbying in New York.
Common Cause NY reports Friday the spending includes $242,000 in political contributions to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and about $400,000 each to the campaigns of the Senate and Assembly majorities.
The spending began after Cuomo called for an expansion of casino gambling. This week, the Legislature is planning to pass a plan for four Las Vegas-type casinos upstate and 2,000 video slot machines on Long Island.
The bill sets a fall referendum for New Yorkers to decide whether to change the state constitution to allow full-fledged casinos off Indian land.
A bill approved this week would expand gambling through video slot machine centers even if voters reject big casinos.
