WHO CAN AFFORD THIS: New York State Budget Director Robert Mujica said Wednesday that the state cannot afford to approve New York City licenses early because of the licensing fees it would have to refund to the four upstate casinos under the current law — a penalty that could total $300 million.
NOT IN THE CARDS: State Assembly Democrats have been reluctant to support more gaming.
While the approved 2013 referendum allows up to three New York City casinos, only the state Legislature authorize them and an early authorization will trigger nearly a third of a billion in penalties.
But, the Yonkers establishment is pushing the Yonkers delegation to get the other lawmakers to approve full gaming at the Yonkers casino before 2021 and pay the $300 Million penalty, so that the Rooney family can earn their $150 million bonus from MGM – and walk away from Yonkers with a total payoff of one billion.