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New York Court Approves VLTs

ALBANY, New York -- As reported by the Albany Times-Union: "The state's highest court on Tuesday ruled that video lottery terminals and Indian-owned casinos are constitutional, a victory for the legislature and governor who have increasingly relied on gambling to fill budget shortfalls.

"In a 5-2 decision, the Court of Appeals overturned a lower court ruling that declared illegal the state law authorizing the slot machine-like VLTs because it sends a portion of VLT revenues to horse-racing breeding funds and enhanced track purses. It also upheld the Appellate Division's decision to allow the Indian casinos.

"The ruling also could end a lengthy court fight waged by gambling opponents.

"…Last year, the Appellate Division said the VLT law violated the state constitution's provision that all the net proceeds from lottery games go to aid education in New York state. The Court of Appeals disagreed.

"…Gov. George Pataki was pleased with the court's decision.

"…Pataki is counting on millions of dollars from VLTs to help fund a court-ordered increase in state aid to New York City schools. A court-appointed panel recommended in November that the state spend another $14 billion on the city's schools over the next four years…"

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