1. I. Powers and Responsibilities.
2. 1. The Casino Gambling Study Panel shall study, evaluate and make appropriate recommendations on:
3. (a) the economic, social and employment impact of casino operations upon the State and regions within the State;
4. (b) the most beneficial ways of utilizing casino gambling for economic development;
5. (c) methods of taxation and potential revenues that may be derived directly and indirectly from casino gambling, and the potential impact upon revenues received from existing forms of gambling in the State;
6. (d) whether casino gambling should be publicly operated or privately operated with licensing and regulation by the State;
7. (e) methods of licensing, qualifications of licensees and regulation of casino activities including measures that should be taken to prevent fraud, abuse and infiltration by undesirable elements into casino operations;
8. (f) such other matters that are consistent with the general authority and responsibility of the Panel.
9. 2. Submit to the Governor, on or before April 16, 1979, an interim report addressing those matters germane to the concurrent resolutions on casino gambling that are now before the Legislature for its consideration for second passage, with appropriate recommendations.
10. 3. Submit to the Governor, on or before September 1, 1979, a report setting forth the Panel's recommendations and suggestions for legislative and administrative actions to effectively implement casino gambling in New York State.
11. 4. Provide such other reports as the Governor may request on matters related to casino gambling.

12. II. Membership.

    The members of the Casino Gambling Study Panel shall be appointed by the Governor, who shall designate the Chairman. The members of the Panel shall receive no compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement for any necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties.

13. III. Personnel.

    The Chairman may employ such staff and assistants as he may deem necessary, at a compensation to be fixed by him within the amounts available therefor and subject to the approval of the Division of the Budget. Wherever possible, the Panel shall make use of existing staff and resources in the various State agencies, which are hereby directed to render full cooperation and assistance to the Panel.

    Signed: Hugh L. Carey Dated: February 6, 1979

WHEREAS, the Legislature has given first passage to concurrent resolutions proposing constitutional amendments that offer several differing approaches to casino gambling; and

WHEREAS, second passage of such resolutions will be considered and, upon passage, will be submitted to the people for their approval; and

WHEREAS, casino gambling holds considerable potential for enhancing economic development, job creation, and tourism in New York State, and the fulfillment of that potential depends upon the form and substance we give to this concept; and

WHEREAS, the approach we take to casino gambling must reflect sound social, fiscal and legal judgments, and these judgments are the shared responsibility of the Legislature, Executive and the people of this State; and

WHEREAS, there must be an understanding of the objectives we wish to achieve through casino gambling and the public policy that should guide us in meeting those objectives; and

WHEREAS, there are difficult and complex questions that require careful professional evaluation before final action is taken in this matter:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Hugh L. Carey, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York, do hereby establish the Casino Gambling Study Panel.