New York State Casino-Siting Board Members Named

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The panel that will choose operators and locations for new casinos in New York is beginning its work.

The New York State Gaming Commission on Wednesday officially appointed former city comptroller William Thompson, Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz, and veteran gubernatorial adviser Paul Francis to the Resort Gaming Facility Location Board.

The board is scheduled to request applications for four casino licenses in upstate New York in March. They still need to set a licensing fee and determine how to measure local support for casino projects.

New York voters in November passed a state constitutional amendment to allow Las Vegas-style casinos beyond Indian land.

Casino bids are due in June.