ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo may urge voters to hold their chips this year if picking potential casino locations becomes “politicized.”
Voters are expected to decide in November whether to authorize seven non-Indian casinos. Cuomo wants to start with three upstate.
“Let an independent authority do it and keep the politics out,” he said on the upstate radio show “Capitol Pressroom.”
Cuomo said this week that legislative leaders agree “specific locations should be left to an independent, nonpolitical body” — namely the new Cuomo-controlled state gaming commission.
But Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) noted the proposed constitutional amendment would give lawmakers a specific say over locations.
Silver told The Post that “citizens should have this information before voting.”
Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos said he might push for three casinos, possibly including Belmont Park racetrack on Long Island.