The gaming bills were part of an education and economic development package that passed both Houses and were touted by state elected officials as necessary measures to provide funding to address the economic damage caused by the terrorist attacks of September 11. "It is projected that the economic devastation of the attacks could be as much as $9 billion in lost revenue to the state," notes Senator Ronald B. Stafford, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "This legislation is needed to generate additional revenue so we can meet our responsibilities to schools, continue to encourage economic development and provide resources for important programs and services."

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno states that the decision to green light Indian casino gaming was not an easy call. "I have always been personally opposed to casino gambling," he notes. "However, the reality is that casino gambling is already here. There is an Indian-run casino in Central New York and casinos surround us in Connecticut, New Jersey and Canada. New Yorkers travel to these casinos and spend millions of dollars to support other states and countries. Establishing casinos here will boost tourism, economic development and generate revenue to support important programs for New Yorkers." State officials say the six casinos will supply the state with approximately $450 million in revenues when they are fully operational.

The measure approved by the Assembly and Senate also allows for video lottery terminals to be installed at many of the state's harness horse racing tracks. Also, New York will join the multi-state Powerball lottery game, which will generate another $200 million in annual revenue to the state.