Is a Casino in Utica a Good Gamble or a Bad Bet

Is a casino in downtown Utica a good gamble or a bad bet?

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente is proposing the creation of a sports and entertainment district in downtown Utica. It would include an expansion of the Utica Aud, a craft beer museum and a casino.

"Oneida County is a worldwide tourism destination. And we should reinforce that fact by strengthening what we have and creating new and exciting reasons for people to come to Oneida County," Picente said in his State of the County address.

The proposed casino would be owned and operated by the Oneida Indian Nation with millions in revenue for the county. "The revenue from this endeavor would benefit the county and city and reinvigorate downtown," said Picente. "I’m certain the result would be a tourist destination of unparalleled quality."

Would a new casino really bring tourists to downtown Utica when they could go to Turning Stone or would it just bring out more gamblers from Utica? What would the new casino offer other than gambling?

Is a casino in Utica a good gamble or a bad bet? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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