Lawmakers in New York have approved an expansion for video lottery terminals. Officials said the expansion was requested by racetrack gaming facilities which would offer electronic three-card poker and blackjack, in addition to others. Senator John Bonacic, chairman of the Senate Racing and Wagering Committee, said, “Gaming is here to stay. Expanding the selection of VLTs I see as a good thing.”
The games are seen as a way to add an element of skill to wagers made. In New York, the devices are run out of a central computer at the state Lottery Commission. These new VLTs will have a minimum 92% payout to players. The law change will also “include elements of player interaction after a player receives an initial chance,” with a VLT game.
James Featherstonehaugh, who serves as president of the New York Gaming Association, and is part-owner of Saratoga Casino and Raceways, said, “It’s a good thing. People like different games. After a while you get bored and you want to play a new one.”
Estimations conclude the new law will bring in some extra $40 million to the state. An unspecified amount of the money will be given to industry funding and gaming operators. 500 new machines will be implanted, 175 of which will replace antiquated ones. Resorts World is expected to add the most machines. At the end of March, 18,000 VLTs were in the state.
The machines will not be allowed in Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, Batavia Downs, or Buffalo Raceway. Those properties are located in a gambling-exclusivity zone with the Seneca Nation of Indians which blocks introduction of new types of games in an area where the tribe operates three Class III casinos.
