New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill aimed at expediting the timeline for casino proposals in the New York City region. Hochul defended her decision, stating that altering the process midstream could unfairly benefit certain bidders over others.
In her veto message, Hochul emphasized the need for fairness, saying, “Changing the timeline … would likely have the impact of helping certain bidders and hurting others. I cannot support a bill that aims to change the rules in the middle of the process.”
The legislation, passed in June, sought to accelerate proposal deadlines to August 2024, bypassing local zoning and regulatory approvals. By not acting on the measure, Hochul effectively issued a pocket veto. Under the current schedule, proposals remain due by June 27, 2025, with casino licenses expected to be awarded by the end of that year.
Hochul underscored the need for compliance with local zoning laws, adding that applicants have been working with municipalities to align their projects.
Critics Question Extended Timeline
State Senator Joe Addabbo, a sponsor of the bill, expressed disappointment over the veto. He argued that the extended timeline benefits bidders facing unresolved land-use or political challenges. “If you can’t figure out the land use issues in two years, maybe a casino shouldn’t be there,” said Addabbo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering.
Addabbo also criticized Hochul’s decision as inconsistent, referencing her earlier pause on a controversial Midtown Manhattan congestion pricing plan, which she later reinstated.
High Stakes for State Revenue
Each casino license is expected to generate a minimum of $500 million for the state, with bids potentially reaching $750 million per license. Funds from the licenses will support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
While new casino developments may take years to complete, existing facilities like Resorts World at Aqueduct and MGM Empire City at Yonkers Raceway could transition quickly to full-scale casinos if granted licenses. Final decisions will follow reviews by Community Advisory Committees and recommendations to the state Gaming Commission.
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