The landscape of downstate New York is poised for a significant transformation with the impending introduction of three new casino facilities. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board recently set a new bid deadline for these casinos to June 27, 2025, signaling potential changes that could reshape the region.
However, an intersecting bill, awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature, has introduced an additional layer of complexity. This legislation proposes a more aggressive timeline, requiring bidders to submit their proposals by August 31, 2024, a move that directly challenges the timeline established by the facility location board. Authored by Senator Joe Addabbo, the bill known as S9673A already passed through both the house and senate in early June. If signed, it would mandate that bidders expedite their proposals, shortening the timeline by nearly a year.
Timeline and Challenges
The facility location board has expressed reservations regarding this accelerated timeline. Board member Vicki Been pointedly commented, “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical.” The technical and regulatory prerequisites add weight to her caution. The board clearly stated that bids cannot be reviewed until all “entitlements and zoning” are approved, further arguing that the current deadline set by the bill is “unreasonable.”
An array of impactful preconditions must be satisfied before any bid can move forward, including crucial environmental impact studies and necessary zoning changes. The Bally’s Bronx proposal, as well as Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal, are prime examples of projects that require rezoning from their current parkland designations to be viable for casino facilities.
Ambitious Proposals
There are currently 11 bidders vying for the three licenses, with proposals scattered across some of the most iconic locations in New York, from Times Square to Brooklyn. These proposals are not mere casinos; they embody comprehensive development visions, incorporating resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements. The mix of commercial and tribal operators further underscores the competitive and diverse nature of these submissions.
Notable proposals include:
- Avenir, a collaboration between Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming in Manhattan.
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point by Bally’s Corporation in The Bronx.
- Caesars Palace Times Square, a joint effort by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation in Manhattan.
- Coney Project, featuring Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, and Saratoga Casino Holdings in Brooklyn.
- Freedom Plaza by Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming in Manhattan.
- Metropolitan Park, spearheaded by Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International in Queens.
- MGM Empire City by MGM Resorts International in Yonkers.
- Resorts World New York City, proposed by the Genting Group in Queens.
- Sands New York, from Las Vegas Sands in Nassau County, Long Island.
- Saks Fifth Avenue, put forth by Hudson’s Bay Company in Manhattan.
- Wynn New York City, a collaboration between Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan.
Weighing Conflicts and Outcomes
During their recent meeting, board members acknowledged the inherent conflict between their established deadline and the stipulations of S9673A. Nevertheless, they remain hopeful that their reasoning and concerns will be compelling enough to guide the governor’s decision. Vicki Been mentioned, “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor.”
Informed by these discussions, the board carries a cautious optimism that sticking to the June 2025 deadline will not impede the broader objective of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. The introduction of new casinos is not merely a matter of economic expansion but stands to redefine the entertainment landscape and urban development in downstate New York.
As plans move forward and regulatory hurdles are navigated, the projects promise to bring fresh vitality to some of the state's most storied areas. The board’s effort to balance expedited timelines with thorough review processes will be key to realizing these ambitious plans.