Cuomo’s Casino Plan ‘Evolving’

Governor Andrew Cuomo's plan to permit three casinos outside of New York City is "evolving," top lawmakers said after a closed-door meeting on Wednesday.

Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos said he'd like to see casino-enabling legislation stripped from the state budget, which must be passed by March 31. Other lawmakers have been pushing for a role in choosing the locations for casino expansion.

While a constitutional amendment will allow up to seven full casinos in the state, Cuomo proposed permitting and siting three in a first round, and limiting their location to counties north of New York City, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties.

He has also said that the new Gaming Commission that comes into operation on Friday should decide sites.