Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 18, 1996

Release #659-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972


MAYOR GIULIANI AND SPEAKER VALLONE ESTABLISH COMMISSION
TO INVESTIGATE AND REGULATE GAMBLING CRUISE SHIPS

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and City Council Speaker Peter Vallone today announced the creation of a eight-member commission to investigate and regulate gambling and gambling cruise ships in New York City.

Mayor Giuliani also announced that the Department of Parks has notified the Adnil Realty Corporation that a permit to construct a new parking lot in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn for the Bay Cruises gambling consortium has been suspended until further notice.

"I am concerned that there are not clear cut regulations in regard to gambling in general and gambling cruises in New York City," Mayor Giuliani said. "Considering the history of the gambling industry in this country, the City needs to review thoroughly what controls and regulations would be appropriate and necessary as to the backgrounds of those involved in such enterprises. The recent announcement of the gambling vessel in Sheepshead Bay brings those questions into focus."

"The City Council has already done extensive research and issued reports on the feasibility of establishing gambling enterprises in New York City," Speaker Vallone said. "Our finance and economic development committees have also recommended ways to regulate gambling and to help boost the City's economy. We will be working closely with the Administration on this worthwhile endeavor."

The new Commission's members are Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, as Chair, Corporation Counsel Paul Crotty, Police Commissioner Howard Safir, Finance Commissioner Fred Cerullo, Investigation Commissioner Ed Kuriansky, and City Council Members Herb Berman, Jerome O' Donovan, and Archie Spigner.



Go to Press Releases | Giuliani Archives | Mayor's Office | NYC.gov Home Page
Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map