State Lawmaker Proposes Legislation To Block OTB Gaming Parlors On Long Island
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A state lawmaker on Monday was introducing new legislation to prohibit the Nassau Off-Track Betting Corporation from building gambling parlors on Long Island.
A thousand video lottery terminals in both Nassau and Suffolk counties were supposed to help close big budget shortfalls.
But, as CBS2's Dick Brennan reported, standing with supporters in Hauppauge on Monday, Long Island State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick said 'no dice.'
"These are not the jobs we want. The government should not be in the business of vice and gambling is a vice," said Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown).
Fitzpatrick admitted his legislation to ban the gambling parlors is a long shot since he's the only sponsor so far, but he pointed to recent protests in Nassau County that have kept Nassau OTB from being able to select a site.
"I don't think any other hometown is going to say, 'I'd like to have it here,'" he said.
In Suffolk County, OTB has already spent $11-million to purchase vacant land arguing it's the perfect site in an industrial zone bordered by the Long Island Expressway and trees.
"These places that are already open in Saratoga, Yonkers, and Queens, there's been no increase in crime or anything like that. In fact this site will be well-lit and New York State mandates we have great security," siad Tony Pancella, Vice President of Suffolk OTB.
There are about 125 homes where neighbors worry about increased traffic from gamblers visiting 20 hours a day, seven days a week.
"A million visitors a year. A million! That's maybe two-million car trips in traffic," said Don Seubert, Vice President of the Medford Taxpayers Civic Association.
Public opinion is divided. Suffolk resident Frank Gee said gambling patrons are being unfairly portrayed.
"They meet their friends and hang out. They're not criminals. They're not dirtbags or drug addicts," Gee said.
Suffolk OTB said it will begin construction at the Medford site within 60 days, while Nassau OTB tries to figure out a new location. One speculation has been Belmont race track.
