Casino License Race Draws Eight Bidders Across New York

The race to open a new casino in New York City is heating up, with eight development teams officially jumping in before the deadline. Each group paid a non-refundable $1 million just to have their proposals considered. From Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens to the Bronx—and even Yonkers and Queens’ existing racinos—the competition is spread across the region.

Good to know

• Three casino licenses are up for grabs in downstate New York.
• MGM Yonkers has proposed a $2.3 billion expansion project.
• Two major players, Wynn and Las Vegas Sands, have dropped out.

New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board is now reviewing all submitted proposals. But before any plan can move forward, it has to pass a vote from a six-member Community Advisory Committee. That vote, which includes voices from local and state government, is due by September 30.

The state is charging $500 million for each license, and developers are pulling out all the stops to win over public and political support. Most of the bids promise billions in investment, new housing, union jobs, and improved public spaces. Still, not everyone is on board—some residents have voiced concerns about safety, traffic, and overdevelopment.

One of the strongest contenders is MGM Yonkers. The casino operator, through its local arm MGM Yonkers Inc., is pushing a $2.3 billion plan to redevelop Empire City Casino. Their vision includes redesigned gaming floors, a premium high-limit lounge, a BetMGM Sportsbook, and three upscale restaurants. A brand-new entertainment center with 5,000 seats is also part of the plan, intended for concerts and local events like graduations.

If the state approves the proposal, MGM plans to finish the project by mid-2029. The company believes it could turn the site into a major entertainment spot for Westchester County and beyond, while also fitting into New York’s long-term goals for job growth and infrastructure upgrades.

Meanwhile, two big names in the casino world have stepped away. Wynn Resorts officially pulled its bid in May, citing local zoning issues and long-term resistance that made the Hudson Yards location more trouble than it was worth. Wynn had partnered with Related Companies on the project but decided its money would be better spent elsewhere.

Las Vegas Sands walked away earlier, in April. The company had tried to build on Long Island but ended up walking back its plans. Concerns over New York’s evolving gaming laws and the possible legalization of online casino games reportedly factored into the decision.

As things stand, proposals that include existing racinos like Yonkers’ Empire City and Queens’ Resorts World may have the edge due to their current infrastructure. But nothing is final yet. The Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to make its decision by December 1, with licenses set to be issued before the end of the year.

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