Survey Shows Significant Support for Online Casinos in New York

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jan 15, 2024

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When examining recent research on New Yorkers’ opinions about further gambling expansion, it is crucial to scrutinize the funding sources and research methodology.

The survey suggests support for legalizing online casino games and lottery ticket sales, but a closer look reveals concerns about data reliability.

The Parkside Group LLC surveyed 800 New Yorkers in October 2023, claiming that voters prefer increased gaming revenue to address the deficit over tax hikes or spending cuts.

The assertion that a majority across demographics prioritize expanding gaming over tax hikes may be seen as positive for legislators pushing for online casino legalization.

In 2023, attempts to include language for a regulated online casino framework in the state budget bill were unsuccessful.

While standalone legislation may revisit the topic in 2024, supporters of online casino legalization should be cautious, as flaws in the survey’s methodology are evident upon closer examination.

The Parkside Group’s survey, juxtaposing the idea of legalizing online casino games with the state’s choices of increasing income taxes or reducing services to address a budget deficit, has raised concerns about data credibility.

New York’s actual budget deficit of $4.3 billion for the current fiscal year, half of the initial projection, constitutes only 1.7% of the $229 billion budget for FY2024. This challenges the narrative of an overwhelming deficit requiring drastic measures.

The lack of broad legislative support for service cuts or tax hikes, along with the consideration of a wealth tax targeting the top 5% of earners, further questions the survey’s premise.

Additionally, the estimated revenue from legalizing online casino games falls short of covering the entire deficit, exposing a flaw in the survey’s design and highlighting the influence of the funding source, the Parkside Group.

The narrative spun by the Parkside Group for survey participants overlooks the possibility that New York doesn’t need to choose between expanding gambling and addressing its 1.7% budget deficit—it can pursue both or neither.

Even if online casino legalization occurs, it may not be motivated by deficit reduction, as the state could concurrently implement a wealth tax.

Surveying people’s preferences between various options and tax hikes is inherently biased and lacking in meaningful legitimacy.

The survey’s transparent goal, showcasing support for legalizing online casino play, aligns with the agenda of its commissioner, the Sports Betting Alliance.

Comprising online gambling companies with a stake in New York’s potential online casinos, the Alliance aimed to leverage the survey data in discussions with state officials.

New York legislators should critically evaluate the survey’s flaws when presented by the Sports Betting Alliance.