The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council represents hotel and casino workers and strongly supports three new casinos opening in New York because they would generate tens of thousands of construction, hotel, and casino jobs. Mamdani has expressed personal skepticism about casino expansion and acknowledged that awarding three casino licenses is a state decision. He opposed parkland alienation legislation tied to a proposed casino near Citi Field and would have voted against that measure. HTC endorsed Mamdani after the Democratic primary, creating tension between labor backing and progressive worries about gambling. A union rally on 76th Street targeted the Reuben Brothers' Surrey Hotel as part of a campaign after workers were laid off.
After an HTC-led rally on 76th Street on Wednesday, a reporter asked Mamdani if he would support casinos opening in New York City. I've been open about my personal skepticism, and yet I also know that this is the law, Mamdani said, referring to the state-led process of awarding three casino licenses to applicants downstate. The siting and the choices of which casinos will open that pertains to the state.
During a June press conference, Mamdani indicated that he is generally in opposition to the expansion of casinos. He was absent for a vote on parkland alienation legislation that was needed for Steve Cohen's proposal for a casino next to Citi Field, but told reporters that he would have voted against the measure. The moment underscored the delicate dance candidates sometimes have to pull off in making their policy positions clear without alienating major supporters.
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