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Poll finds support for pro-gambling language in ballot amendment

A new poll finds language on a ballot amendment to portray the expansion of casino gambling in positive light is working and the measure is gaining support among potential voters.A Siena College poll finds that when New Yorkers are asked whether they support an amendment to build up to seven new gambling casinos in the state, they are evenly split at 46% to 46%. 

But when survey takers were read the actual language on the ballot amendment, which puts the new casinos in a positive light, 55% say they would vote yes, compared to 42% who say they would vote no.

The amendment claims that the new casinos would bring jobs, generate money for education and result in lower taxes. Siena’s Steve Greenberg says the wording seems to be working.

“The folks who came up with that wording clearly tried to write a question to tip the balance in support of the amendment,” Greenberg said. “There is no question about that.”

Anti-gambling groups have called the ballot language “spin” and say the casinos will also cause more gambling addiction.

So far, no one, including Governor Cuomo or the legislature,has taken credit for the wording of the ballot question.

Karen DeWitt is Capitol Bureau Chief for New York State Public Radio, a network of 10 public radio stations in New York State. WBFO listeners are accustomed to hearing DeWitt’s insightful coverage throughout the day, including expanded reports on Morning Edition.
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