In an attempt to stimulate the state's economy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has agreed to a deal with state lawmakers to expand casino gambling.
Reuters reports that the new agreement legalizes non-Native American casinos to operate within the state. Currently, New York only allows table gambling on tribal land belonging to Native Americans and slot machine gambling at horse racing tracks.
"Today's agreement with the legislature would establish world-class destination gaming resorts to attract tourists to upstate New York," Cuomo said. "This legislation is a major step forward in our efforts to both capitalize on this economic development and tourism potential and end the trend of letting neighboring states with legalized gaming take revenue that should be going to our schools."
The new casino deal will be voted on Friday.
The casinos can only be legalized in New York if two elected legislatures enact the bills - so the measure would have to be approved again in the next state legislative session.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com