A bill to expand casino gaming at racetracks in the US state of New York has been passed by the state Senate.

Sponsored by Democrat Senator Eric Adams, the bill would allow for casino gaming facilities at venues that conduct horseracing and are located in counties with fewer than 500,000 inhabitants. Although some already offer slots, a change in the law would allow for operators to offer table games.

In 2001 legisaltion was passed to allow Native American tribes to operate up to three casinos in Sullivan and Ulster counties but none are in operation or even under construction. The expansion of gaming in the state is seen by some to be at least one way of stimulating economic growth and job creation.

However, such a change in the law would require an amendment to the state constitution in the Legislature by passing in both the Senate and Assembly before being placed before voters in a statewide referendum. Each individual county would then hold their own referendums to choose whether or not to allow gaming to take place.

Jeff Gural, chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, which operates Tiogo Downs and Vernon Downs, told local media that the bill is about boosting employment.

"It’s really a jobs bill, frankly, because table games create a lot of jobs compared to slot machines, which are electronic," he said.