Letters: Don't bet on casino plans

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's comments about a new casino at Belmont not being economically viable, as he proceeds to promote his plan to have a casino open at the Aqueduct Racetrack, misses an important point ["Odds against Belmont casino," News, Feb. 3]. He's correct about not having a second casino, but wrong about the first one, Aqueduct, being good for New York.

Encouraging New Yorkers to become more focused on money hoped to be gained through such nonproductive means is bad, and that's what gambling does.

The Shinnecock Indian tribe spokeswoman said, in support of the proposed Belmont casino, "Belmont could bring in hundreds of millions in revenue." Where would that money come from? Not some magical source! It would come from those patrons who lose their money gambling. When they do that, they have that much less to spend on more sensible and needed commodities, and that affects our overall economy.

Cuomo endorsed a reform of New York's gaming policies, stating, "These functions have been so dysfunctional for so long." The plan to open any casino in New York State is dysfunctional.

Robert Wilson, West Islip
 

If Gov. Cuomo is looking for a place to build a casino, he should look to Philadelphia, where a conservancy group has recently purchased the SS United States, the former pride of the U.S. merchant fleet.

The plan is to renovate and restore the ship into a floating hotel, convention center or casino, like the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif.

Bring the SS United States back to her traditional home port of New York, and moor her next to the USS Intrepid, and I think you would have a very successful revenue-generating and job-creating situation.

Lloyd E. Simonsen, Ronkonkoma
 

It seems that Gov. Cuomo feels a Shinnecock casino at Belmont, only 10 miles from Genting's Aqueduct casino, is not feasible.

Perhaps the Shinnecocks could look into other attractive recreational ventures, such as Fort Lauderdale's former Wannado City Theme Park, an attraction that was especially fun for 5- to 13-year-olds. Wannado City offered a variety of experiences, such as being a pilot, circus performer, bank teller, TV studio creative artist, nail technician, retail store sales person, firefighter, police officer and other careers.

Visitors spent about 45 minutes at each task and get paid in fake money that can be cashed in for toys, etc. The park closed last year, because it was isolated from other family attractions and business got too slow.

Public land in Riverhead, Yaphank and Kings Park might be available for such a family-oriented venue.

Carol Swenson, Lake Grove