We’ve long been dubious about casinos — especially when promoted on the grounds that they will revitalize economically depressed upstate areas.
We now we have new reason for skepticism: Turns out the casinos may not be built in the areas they are supposed to help.
For four decades, Sullivan and Ulster counties have been pushing for casinos, citing the region’s chronic high unemployment and general economic malaise. When state voters approved a constitutional amendment permitting expanded gambling last November, local officials were overjoyed, since the Catskills are set to get two of the seven new facilities.
But despite Gov. Cuomo’s pledge that casinos would be located “where we need [them] most,” at least some developers have their eye on Orange County.
Orange is much better off economically than Sullivan County. More important, it’s much closer to New York City — from which casinos hope to attract customers — than either Sullivan or Ulster counties.
One developer who hopes to put a casino into the old Nevele Hotel in Ulster County put it this way to The New York Times: “Why would anyone feel the need to go further? It would take southern Ulster County and Sullivan County out of contention.”
Our view has always been that gambling is a tax on the poor that brings many social ills along with its jobs. As for revitalizing towns and neighborhoods, Atlantic City is Exhibit A against that argument.
Given all the problems and overpromises associated with casinos, we wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up that not getting one proves to be the better bet.