An online casino bill in New York is drawing backlash from hospitality workers.
Senate Bill 185, which was introduced in January by Sen. Joseph Addabbo, is being opposed by nearly 700 employees at Resorts World New York City Casino. The group, which has members represented by labor unions, has signed a letter accusing Addabbo of threatening their jobs with the potential implementation of iGaming legislation in the state.
“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,” said the letter sent by the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union.
Workers at Resorts World believe an iGaming bill signed into law would negatively impact the facility’s ability to drive profits due to lack of spending and wagering at retail casinos.
In January, the New York State Gaming Commission reported $49 million in gross gaming revenue with $11.6 million in gaming tax. Slots and electronic table games made up $33.9 million of the state’s total revenue with traditional table games generating $14.1 million.
Poker tables across the Empire State posted $885,334 in revenue during the month.
“This iGaming proposal undercuts the best thing about casino gaming in New York: permanent, high-quality jobs that New Yorkers can live and retire on,” said union political director Bhav Tibrewal.
Support for iGaming in New York
Despite blowback from hospitality workers, iGaming legislation has garnered support from lobbyists.
Last month, Bet on NY, a group backed by Sports Betting Alliance, voiced support for iGaming in the Empire State as it could generate up to $1 billion in additional tax revenue. It could also help improve New York’s budget deficit, which could reach $4.3 billion this year. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli estimates a $8 billion deficit in 2025.
Addabbo will continue to push for iGaming and SB 185 with 35 campaign contributions from entities in iGaming worth $77,100. Contributors include DraftKings and FanDuel.
