The head of the state Republican Party says all bets are off for a Nov. 5 referendum to legalize up to seven Vegas-type casinos in New York, The Post has learned.
“I won’t vote for the casino referendum. This is not real economic development,” state Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox said.
“Casinos can be destructive to neighborhoods. People who can’t afford to gamble go to the casino. Families suffer because of it.”
Cox claimed that the casino business is a bust in Atlantic City.
He announced his opposition a day after the state Conservative Party came out against the referendum.
The GOP leader stressed that his opposition is not an official party position.
But his high-profile objection won’t sit well with Gov. Cuomo, who has made the casino referendum a key plank in his plan to stimulate the upstate economy. Four of the first seven casinos — which would include live table games as well as slots — would be located upstate.
Many upstate GOP lawmakers also support the deal, and Cox immediately faced friendly fire.
“I’m disappointed that Cox is against it,” said state Senate GOP Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous, who represents the Binghamton area, when told of Cox’s position. “I hope he reconsiders.”