The landscape of downstate New York could undergo significant transformation with the prospect of three new casino facilities on the horizon. On June 27, 2025, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board set a bid deadline for these highly anticipated casinos. However, a bill authored by Senator Joe Addabbo, known as S9673A, introduces a potentially earlier deadline of August 31, 2024, pending Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature.
If signed into law, this legislation would override the facility location board’s timeline, requiring bidders to submit their proposals by the end of summer 2024. This accelerated timeline has not gone unnoticed by the facility location board, which has raised concerns about the feasibility of meeting such an ambitious deadline. “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical,” stated Vicki Been, reflecting the sentiment of many involved in the process.
Challenges and Prerequisites
One major hurdle to meeting the proposed deadline is the necessity for all ‘entitlements and zoning’ to be approved before bids can be reviewed. The board has emphasized that environmental impact studies and necessary zoning changes are preconditions that must be met. This requirement adds a layer of complexity to the already challenging bidding process. “Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable,” the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board expressed in a statement.
Among the various proposals, the Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal face particularly significant challenges, as they both require rezoning from their current parkland designations to accommodate casino facilities. These zoning changes are not trivial matters and could potentially delay the entire process.
A Competitive Field
With 11 bidders vying to develop casinos in prime locations such as Times Square and Brooklyn, the competition is fierce. These proposals are not merely about gambling; they encompass a broader vision that includes resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements. A mix of commercial and tribal operators have put forth their bids, aiming to reshape the entertainment and economic landscape of downstate New York.
Some of the notable proposals include:
- Avenir: Presented by Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming, aiming to set foot in Manhattan.
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point: Bally’s Corporation’s vision for The Bronx.
- Caesars Palace Times Square: A collaboration between Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation for a Manhattan location.
- Coney Project: Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, and Saratoga Casino Holdings eyeing a spot in Brooklyn.
- Freedom Plaza: Proposed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming in Manhattan.
- Metropolitan Park: A joint effort by Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International to bring their proposal to Queens.
- MGM Empire City: MGM Resorts International's bid for Yonkers.
- Resorts World New York City: Genting Group’s vision for Queens.
- Sands New York: Las Vegas Sands targeting Nassau County in Long Island.
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Hudson’s Bay Company’s Manhattan bid, with the operator yet to be determined.
- Wynn New York City: A combination of Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts aiming for Manhattan.
Optimism Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the potential conflicts between the board’s decisions and the stipulations of the bill, the board remains hopeful that the overall goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025 will remain on track. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Vicki Been remarked, indicating confidence that a practical solution can be reached.
The potential economic and entertainment benefits of these casino projects are immense. If the projects come to fruition, they promise to bring multifaceted development to some of New York's most iconic areas, transcending mere gambling to offer substantial community and economic enhancements.
As the clock ticks toward the impending deadlines, all eyes will be on the legislative developments and the ensuing efforts of the bidders to meet the stringent requirements set forth. The outcome of this process could indeed reshape the future of downstate New York in remarkable ways.