Another upside to the proposals is that they maximize state benefit from sports betting.Ī Rivers Casino representative commented: “We are encouraged that the Governor’s budget prioritizes revenue to the state, stabilization of the upstate casinos, and the preservation and creation of casino jobs. They authorize new casinos that will pay taxes, contributing to the state’s financial situation. Three of the proposal aim to bring more money to the state. Proposal Benefits the Industry and the State This is a guaranteed benefit for Rivers with no impact on the state tax revenue. One of them is River Casino and the others are Saratoga Casino and Capital Region’s two gambling halls.Īccording to Cuomo’s proposal, Rivers Casino receives a suspension of the payments it is required to make to the horsemen who own and train the standardbred harness horses running at Saratoga Casino for the total time of the Covid-19 crisis. One of the items identifies by name three facilities. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposal will compensate for them.Ĭuomo’s budget proposal contains five items and all of them will affect the gaming industry. Rivers Casino in Schenectady reopened in September last year announcing significant losses due to the mandatory closing days.