Blackjack Tables May Be Coming to NY Racetracks

New York State is considering revising the current law and allowing casinos to operate at the State's horse racing venues. A Senate hearing was recently held concerning the viability of permitting full-scale casinos with slot machines and table games at New York's 9 racetracks. Governor Cuomo is carefully considering the idea as a way to add much needed revenue to the State's coffers. The proposal calls for allowing casinos that offer all types of casino table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker as well as allowing slots and video gaming machines such as video poker and video blackjack.

Blackjack players and racetracks like Aqueduct, Saratoga and Yonkers have been pushing hard to move the idea forward. Among the arguments for casinos that offer table games is that they will generate billions of dollars in revenues for the State and also help bolster the shrinking horse racing industry. The proponents of casino gambling argue that NY is losing out to neighboring states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey who do have legal table games. There are numerous lawyers lobbying for the approval and it appears that the public is also behind the installation of casinos.

Currently, only Indian Reservations are allowed to have the various casino table games and gambling machines. For the most part, Indian casinos operate independently of State Law. Since the State of New York is having a financial crisis and is looking for ways to meet its obligations, the casino idea has gained quite a bit of traction. In addition to pari-mutuel wagering at thoroughbred and harness tracks, NY also has a vibrant State Lottery. Racetracks are currently permitted to have video lottery machines that are considered games of chance. Games like poker or blackjack are considered to have an element of skill involved and are not permitted at this time.

Critics and opponents of new legislation that would allow blackjack tables to be placed on the property of New York racetracks argue that there is already too much gambling and that it causes other problems. They site statistics that show the devastating effect on families with a problem gambler. They also suggest that by adding casinos to racetrack facilities, it will take away from the betting revenue on the races and further erode the Sport of Kings.

In any event, there is sure to be a heated battle in the upcoming months. Blackjack players are ready, willing and able to spend their money in New York instead of going to Vegas or Atlantic City. Perhaps it is time for New York to get in the game and allow casinos.