Pols want Cuomo to take chance on casino table games in Queens

Queens lawmakers and business groups are betting that casino table games at the borough's racino will bring riches to the local economy.

As Gov. Andrew Cuomo pushes his proposal for new non-Indian casinos to attract jobs and visitors to upstate New York, southern Queens elected officials Tuesday said their borough should get a piece of the action. They joined with the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the borough's Economic Development Corp. to push for approval of table games like poker and blackjack at the Resorts World racino at the Aqueduct Racetrack.

"We shouldn't be pitting one neighborhood against another, one county against another," said Assemb. Phillip Goldfeder. "Enhanced casinos will really help our state. But more importantly for Queens, it'd be a large part of Sandy recovery if we can bring more economic development and jobs to the neighborhood."

Cuomo's casino gambling plan would allow for three facilities to open in upstate New York. The proposal must get approval from the Legislature and voters in a referendum to change the state constitution.