Sullivan County lawmakers are backing Governor Cuomo's plans to legal casinos. As Venise Toussaint tells us, they say it will be a huge boost to the local economy.

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THOMPSON, N.Y. -- Town of Thompson supervisor Anthony Cellini hopes to hit the jackpot. He keeps a slot machine with this sign on top in his office as a reminder of how the casino industry would help Sullivan County.

“It will mean jobs and that’s what my main interest is,” Cellini said. “Jobs and economic development. The spin off from the casino industry”

Governor Cuomo’s push to legalize gambling in New York is well received by Sullivan County lawmakers who for years have worked to bring casino gaming to the area.

Gambling is a cash cow on Indian reservations, the only legal casino parlors in the state.

The Governor says the Seneca Nation has invested $900 million in their casinos and created thousands of jobs. He says legalizing non-Indian casinos would help cut the state’s $3.5 billion debt.

Sullivan County was once booming with tourists and resorts, but not anymore. Officials hope casinos will help boost the local economy.

"I’ve been on this roller coaster for 36 years, so hopefully something will happen,” Cellini said.

Legalizing casinos won’t be easy. The move requires legislative approval and a constitutional amendment.