Anti-Gambling Group Holds Conference in Buffalo

Anti-Gambling Group Holds Conference in Buffalo
Written by Allison Jagow

BUFFALO, NY - The contentious issue of legalized gambling is once again up for discussion and debate in Western New York and around the state.

The group known as Coalition Against Gambling in New York held its statewide conference Saturday in Buffalo with a variety of discussion and speakers on topics including recognizing gambling as an addiction.

They realize state officials are also studying the idea of state - sanctioned casinos to bring in extra revenue to Albany.

Governor Cuomo points out the presence of casinos run by the Senecas and other tribes but the coalition says there are potential hidden dangers like bankruptcy, crimes, and suicide for compulsive gamblers.

"You have gaming in the state. And by the way, you have gaming in neighboring states. So it's not really an issue anymore about well if we don't officially sanction it as a government, it's not going to happen. It is happening." stated Cuomo.

Dr. Stephen Shafer of the Coalition said, "We're not really prohibitionists in the sense that we're going out to say right now that every casino in New York state ought to be closed tomorrow. But that we start by preventing expansion of gambling opportunities in the state..predatory gambling opportunities."

State licensed casinos would require a change to the state constitution by lawmakers and voters.