New plans for a casino in Utica

A new casino is set to boost the development of an entertainment zone in Utica.

US.- Anthony J. Picente Jr., executive from Oneida County, announced his plans to promote a sports and entertainment zone in Utica. The territory would be headed by a casino and the expansion of the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

According to the Rome Sentinel, the official said that the goal is to have more people visit the zone: “The ultimate goal is to have more people live here.” The proposal was revealed during a public Genesis Group meeting, and Picente believes that it would certainly help with more visitors and residents: the casino would be open with Oneida Indian Nation and the county as partners. Even though there was excitement around the project, Picente said that the casino would not be as big as the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona.

The venue would be of approximately 60.000 square feet with basic food services since they’re not planning on competing with local restaurants or entertainment venues. The gambling facility would help grow the industry in the state by keeping the dollars that locals gamble in the region.

On the other hand, Kathy Sinnott of New Hartford said: “The gaming industry succeeds because it develops chronic gamblers. I don’t want Utica to see another disaster. I have grave concerns about having the casino here.”