Four Casino Proposals Advance to Final Review in New York Licensing Race

The long-awaited selection process for New York’s new downstate casino licenses has entered its final phase. After months of community hearings and debate, four proposals remain under review, with a decision expected by December 1.

Good to Know

• Four bids are still in contention: Hard Rock and Resorts World in Queens, Bally in the Bronx, and MGM’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers.
• Three Manhattan-based bids, including Caesars Times Square backed by Jay-Z, were rejected earlier in the process.
• The five-member Gaming Facility Board will deliver its final recommendations to the New York State Gaming Commission in the coming weeks.

The Commission has been preparing for years to issue up to three new casino licenses in the state. Each proposal underwent a round of public hearings and local consultation to measure community support. Projects that passed that stage were reviewed by local Community Advisory Committees, which voted on whether to approve each plan before sending it to the state level.

Decision Shifts to State Panel

The remaining contenders now face the Gaming Facility Location Board, a five-person group tasked with assessing each project’s economic and operational feasibility. The board met recently for the first time, with members bringing experience in finance, housing, and urban development.

According to board chair Vicki Been, the focus will be on realistic construction plans and speed to market. “How realistic is their plan for what they are going to construct and how quickly are they going to construct that and be up and running?” she said.

What the Board Will Consider

The panel has made clear that while up to three licenses are available, it is not required to issue all three. Depending on the strength of the submissions, the board could approve two, one, or even none of the proposals.

Economic impact is expected to weigh heavily in the decision-making process, alongside community support, design plans, and projected tax contributions. The final recommendations will then go to the New York State Gaming Commission, which will have the final say on which projects move forward.

The next few weeks will determine which of the remaining bids will bring the next major casino development to New York — and which will be left waiting for another chance.

The post Four Casino Proposals Advance to Final Review in New York Licensing Race appeared first on iGaming.org.