Anti-gambling campaign seeks to block NY casinos

ALBANY -- Gambling foes kicked off a campaign Monday to block a constitutional amendment to allow casinos in New York -- invoking anti-gambling quotes from former Gov. Mario Cuomo, whose son, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, is pushing to authorize seven new casinos across the state.

"Casino gambling doesn't generate wealth, it just redistributes it," Joel Rose, chairman of the Coalition Against Gambling in New York, said, quoting Mario Cuomo from 1994. Rose said the former governor "had it right" when he said: "Casinos are a whole different breed. It changes communities."

"What a difference a generation makes," Rose said, referring to the current governor.

The governor's office didn't immediately comment.

The Buffalo-based, anti-gambling coalition includes a variety of activists, including liberal and conservative church-based groups, and features former Buffalo Rep. John LaFalce on its board.

They contend casinos are a "predatory enterprise" that never bring the benefits promised while driving up crime rates and preying on gambling addicts.

Lawmakers first passed in March a constitutional amendment to allow non-Indian casinos. It must be passed twice before it can go to a statewide referendum -- likely in fall 2013.

Activists acknowledge they have virtually no money to fuel an advertising war against pro-gambling forces. "We don't have those kinds of resources," Rose said. "What we have is a lot of people and the truth. They are selling a lie."

Sen. John Bonacic (R-Mount Hope), a prime casino supporter, said the positives could outweigh negatives.

"There are some negatives associated with gaming, and it ultimately will be up to the people to decide," he said. "I look at it as increasing tourism, bringing jobs and bringing economic vitality."