New York Casino Workers Slam Senator’s Online Gambling Bill

A group of about 700 employees from Resorts World, a New York casino, have expressed their strong opposition to a bill that would legalize online gambling in the state. They have sent a letter to Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., accusing him of pushing for a law that would drive away customers from their brick-and-mortar establishments.

The bill, which was unveiled a year ago, is spearheaded by Addabbo, who chairs the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee.

The casino workers fear that allowing online gambling in the state would spell doom for their industry and their jobs.

They claim that online platforms would lure away customers who would otherwise visit their physical venues, where they employ a range of staff, from dealers and croupiers to waiters and bartenders.

The letter reads: “We find it appalling that you are pushing legislation that would hurt workers like us and our industry in order to benefit a handful of companies who are seeking massive profits at our expense.”

The bill proposes a hefty licensing fee of $10 million for online operators, with a license valid for 10 years. Only state-licensed land-based casinos, racetracks, Indian tribes with gaming pacts, and companies with existing online betting licenses would be eligible to offer online gambling.