Cuomo Denies Influences Related to Gambling Expansion Efforts in New York
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has denied any outside influences from gambling interests when it comes to his efforts to expand gambling in that state.
The New York Times on Tuesday published a report that The New York Gaming Association donated $2 million from gambling interests to a lobbying group created specifically to support Cuomo.
"Mr. Cuomo’s support for expanded gambling, which he made a centerpiece of his State of the State address in January, had a profound impact," the newspaper noted.
"Within weeks, the Legislature endorsed a constitutional amendment that, if approved once more by lawmakers and then by voters, would allow for seven full-scale, privately owned casinos, potentially worth billions of dollars."
Cuomo spokesman Richard Bamberger claims any suggestion that the Governor has an improper relationship with gaming interests is a reckless distortion of facts.
Cuomo himself told The New York Times his support of the gambling initiative came months before any contributions were made.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
