(Hauppauge, NY-June 19, 2013) Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone released the following statement following the introduction of legislation to expand gaming in New York State, which allows Suffolk and Nassau OTB to each operate one Video Lottery Terminal Facility (VLT) with 1,000 machines:
“I want to thank Long Island’s state delegation and Governor Cuomo for their hard work and persistence to ensure fairness for our region. I want to thank Senator Boyle and Assemblyman Englebright for introducing the VLT legislation and the two deans of our delegation, Senator LaValle and Assemblyman Sweeney for their strong leadership. By allowing Suffolk and Nassau OTB to each operate a Video Lottery Terminal facility, we will keep tens of millions of dollars on Long Island to provide relief to local taxpayers, school districts and create jobs. We have regional problems and I have been pleased to work closely with County Executive Mangano to seek regional solutions. The only way for Long Island to get our fair share from the state is for our two counties to speak with one voice. We look forward to this legislation passing and to work hard to get a facility operational.”