Panel studying upstate New York casino bids could issue recommendations next month

A panel tasked with reviewing applications for casino licenses in upstate New York is beginning its deliberations following three days of public hearings on the 16 different proposals.

The state's Gaming Facility Location Board hopes to make its recommendation to the Gaming Commission by late October. Up to four casino licenses are authorized to be split among three areas: the Capital Region, the Finger Lakes/Southern Tier and the Catskills/Hudson Valley.

Hundreds of supporters and critics of the proposals spoke before the board during its public hearings. The applicants made their own presentations to the board earlier this month.

Applicants chosen by the board must undergo background checks and submit their proposals to state environmental reviews before they can receive a license from the Gaming Commission.