New York State Gaming Commission holds first meeting

The New York State Gaming Commission, which replaced the New York State Racing and Wagering Board as of Feb. 1, met for the first time Wednesday, adopting a series of motions concerning how the commission will conduct itself in the future.

The commission met six days after the state’s Senate confirmed the first four appointees to the commission. Three appointments to the seven-member commission remain to be named by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

While the meeting Wednesday largely focused on procedural issues, the commission also agreed to adopt an amendment to its mission statement to reflect that one of its priorities will be “the safety and welfare of racehorses.”

The commission was formed at the behest of Cuomo, who has supported the expansion of casino gambling in New York. The commission is responsible for regulating horse racing, the lottery, casino gambling, and charitable gambling.