State-to-state competition for the public's gaming dollars is just getting more apparent in the northeastern United States, and Charlie Degliomini, executive vice president of Empire Resorts, the owner of Monticello Raceway, has

commented on the situation.

In an article by the Times Herald-Record discusses the fact that the Mount Airy in neighbouring Pennsylvania recently rolled out poker and other table games at its facility, a move which will affect the bottom line at Monticello.

"While it is impossible to gauge the impact of Pennsylvania table games in the short-term, we plan on fighting hard to keep our customers," Degliomini said.

"Over time, we expect that electronic versions of table games will be available in New York and this will help improve our ability to compete with Pennsylvania table games."

Though a politician, Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini did not offer an overly political quote on the matter.

"Unfortunately we live in New York and, for some reason, everybody beats us to the punch," Cellini said. "It is so important for jobs. Here they are across the border increasing tourism because they beat us to the punch."

(With files from the Times Herald-Record)