HTC Backs Budget Proposals to Help New York State Casinos

March 26, 2021 7:32 PM

This week, the New York State Senate and Assembly are negotiating over the state budget. Up for negotiation are two proposals that would provide desperately needed relief to New York's casinos. Our Union is urging New York State take action to help New York’s casinos and protect thousands of our members in the gaming industry.

Proposal #1: Tax Parity for Upstate Casinos

Upstate New York casinos pay extraordinarily high taxes, some as high as 45%. The NY State Senate has proposed tax parity for Upstate casinos that could lower the casinos’ taxes, making them more competitive and financially stable.

del Lago Resort & Casino, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, and Resorts World Catskills employ roughly 3,000 union workers, lifting many into the middle class.

“Before getting hired at Rivers, I worked 40 hours and barely made ends meet,” remarked Elijah White, a cook at Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, “Now, I can live comfortably and even save money for retirement.”

Proposal #2: Expanding Table Games Licenses Downstate

The second proposal would allow Downstate casinos to seek a license for table games. If Resorts World New York City or Empire City Casino won a table games license, these union employers could expand their operations and create more union jobs.

“I have been able to rely on great wages and incredible healthcare from Empire City Casino, which has been really critical for me and my family, especially during the pandemic,” shared Enrique Polanco, a Food Server at Empire City Casino, “This job has provided me the opportunity to be the first in my family to be able to afford a my own home, which I hope to do in the future.”

Good Casino Jobs Need to be Protected

Ensuring that both Upstate casinos and Downstate casinos continue to remain financially stable is crucial to protecting thousands of HTC members in the gaming industry. Our Union is urging the NY State Assembly to stand by casino workers and adopt the Senate’s proposals into the State budget.