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New York Anti-Casino Activists Blast Governor

ALBANY, New York – As reported by the Albany Times-Union: "Two dozen anti-casino activists from across New York blasted Gov. George Pataki and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer for pushing what critics call an immoral, illegal expansion of gambling.

"The group railed against the governor's recent call for up to five casinos in the Catskills and the state's expanded lottery games, particularly video slot machines now found at some racetracks.

"…Pataki wants to allow five casinos in the Ulster-Sullivan counties region, instead of the three authorized under a 2001 law he shepherded through the Legislature. The governor wants to use the casinos to help settle all Native American land claims against the state.

"Richard G. Geldard, a resident of Kerhonkson in Ulster County, said state leaders have 'responded like sheep to a misguided governor's callous attempts to raise money the easy way instead of confronting the state's problems with imagination and fiscal discipline.'

"Others, including representatives of the Coalition Against Gambling in New York and the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, cited studies that show increased crime, bankruptcies, child and spousal abuse and gambling problems in areas where casinos arise. They also said the economy suffers in states where gambling is legalized and that gambling costs the government three times what it brings in…"

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