New York blackjack
New York blackjack

New York Governor David Paterson approved two big proposals on Monday that promise to bring more gambling to locals.

The first move he made was to approve a plan by the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians to build a $700 million casino in Bridgeville. This will be a full-fledged gambling center, complete with slots halls, table games, and other casino games.

Six miles from the site of the new casino is Monticello Casino & Raceway, which also runs a small video gambling business. Concerned for the future of the Monticello racino, the Governor approved a $100 million expansion plan, which will bring 60 new electronic casino tables to the gambling hall, including baccarat, craps, and blackjack card games.

The expansion to the Monticello gambling hall will allow it to better compete with the new Stockbridge-Munsee casino when it opens its doors. Most feel confident that the racino can survive. In fact, many have a vested interest in its survival, since Monticello has generated more than $190 million for education and $7.4 million for local governments since it opened.

The neighboring state of Pennsylvania recently legalized table games, and with more blackjack coming to New Jersey, both the proposed Stockbridge-Munsee casino and the Monticello video gambling hall have a lot of competition to contend with. As local casino offerings improve, however, players will be more likely to gamble a little closer to home.