When New York voters go to the polls next month, they will be asked about a gambling referendum. Specifically, if the state constitution should be amended to permit up to seven casinos. Despite heavy news coverage about the plan, a voter still might ask: “Doesn’t New York already have casinos?”

Yes, it does. New York has more than a dozen racetrack casinos or Indian casinos. Gambling has been here for some time. Because of that, we support the gambling referendum and a constitutional amendment. We believe the positive impact on economic development outweighs any concern over any potential increase in gambling addiction among state residents.

If a resident today wants to blow some money — OK, they do win sometimes — on slot machines or table games, there already are convenient opportunities throughout New York. That doesn’t include the growth in gambling in neighboring states like Pennsylvania.

Across the nation, 464 casinos, 466 tribal casinos and 49 racetrack casinos were operating at the end of 2012, according to the American Gaming Association. Total consumer spending at casinos in the United States exceeded $37 billion, with $1.8 billion in New York, according to the association.

You can read more on what a gambling referendum is here.