Kathy Hochul’s casino-linked husband a conflict of interest, critics say

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s upcoming elevation to governor of New York has put her husband’s position at gambling and hospitality giant Delaware North in the spotlight, with government ethics experts calling it a conflict of interest.

Hochul is married to former federal prosecutor William Hochul, who now serves as general counsel and senior vice president at Buffalo, NY-based Delaware North, which owns and operates casinos across the country, manages government-contracted concession stands at venues like highway rest stops and state parks, among other operations.  In her role as governor, Hochul will be able to choose who leads the New York State Gaming Commission, which regulates sales and acquisitions of betting facilities in the state.