Online Gambling vs Jobs: A Tense Standoff in New York
Union Members at Resorts World Voice Apprehension Towards Legislation for New York's Digital Casino
The}> debate about legalizing online casino gambling in New York has heated up, with workers at brick-and-mortar casinos expressing major concerns over potential job losses. New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, who's been pressing for online casino gambling since ages, introduced a bill back in January. But folks at Resorts World casino in Queens aren't exactly thrilled about it.
They penned a letter to Addabbo, voicing their concerns about their jobs being gobbled up. The union, Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, wrote, "We're rightfully pissed off that you're pushing legislation that'll screw us and our industry to fatten the pockets of a few corporations."
Their main beef is that if people can play slots and roulette from home, they'll steer clear of brick-and-mortar casinos. "When customers visit a racino, VLT parlor, or casino, they help us all, from cooks and bartenders to servers, maintenance workers, and hotel staff," the letter explained.
The union members reckon that instead of the gaming money going to local workers, it'll just end up with online gambling companies.
"This bloomin' iGaming proposal undercuts the best thing about casino gaming in New York: permanent, high-quality jobs that New Yorkers can build and retire on," Bhav Tibrewal, the union's political director, told the New York Post. "We've made it clear and loud that we're against iGaming, and it's about time for Addabbo and other legislators to start hearing it straight from casino workers."
Addabbo Doubles Down
Addabbo isn't backing down, though. He reckons it's only a matter of time before online casino gambling becomes legal in New York because the state can't afford to let its neighbors benefit from online gambling while it doesn't. It just gives locals a reason to cross state lines for an online gaming fix.
He insists online gambling could mean increased interest in physical casinos and boost retail jobs. "Why the hell would I deplete jobs?" he said.
Addabbo could lean on research by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, commissioned by iDEA Growth, that found brick-and-mortar casinos see their quarterly revenue increase an average of 2.44% post-launch of mobile casino apps in the state.
Concerns over job cannibalization echoed when online poker was legalized, but as it turns out, online and retail gambling often go hand in hand. While, undeniably, some would stay home instead of heading to a casino, others discover gambling online and then get motivated to give the live experience a shot.
[1] Las Vegas Sands withdraws from NYC casino plan
[2] Sands' NYC casino plan scrapped amid conflict with online gambling
[3] New York online casino bill S2614
[4] Online gaming outpaces Atlantic City casino revenue
[5] iGaming in New York: Challenges, Opportunities, and Proposed Regulation
- Senator Joseph Addabbo, a proponent of online casino gambling in New York, introduced a bill in January that has sparked concerns among workers at brick-and-mortar casinos.
- Union members at Resorts World casino in Queens write to Addabbo, expressing fears that their jobs may be at risk due to potential online gambling legalization.
- The union argues that online betting would decrease visits to physical casinos, thereby affecting jobs of local workers, including cooks, bartenders, servers, maintenance workers, and hotel staff.
- Bhav Tibrewal, the union's political director, expressed concern that online gambling would undercut the job security provided by traditional casino gaming in New York.
- Despite the concerns, Addabbo argues that online casino gambling could boost retail jobs by increasing interest in physical casinos.
- Research commissioned by iDEA Growth suggests that brick-and-mortar casinos can see their revenue increase with the launch of mobile casino apps in the state, implying a potential benefit for physical casinos alongside online betting.
