NYC's Casino Gold Rush: A $Billions Game

Ten high-roller bidders are vying for three coveted full casino licenses in downstate New York, a race that's become a marathon. The licenses, expected to be awarded by the end of 2025, promise to reshape the NYC metro area's socioeconomic landscape.

The Contenders

The competition is fierce, with bidders including some of the state's wealthiest interests, each proposing major public investments alongside their casinos:

• Resorts World NYC (Queens): A $5 billion expansion plan includes a new park, concert center, and affordable housing. Senator Joseph Addabbo supports their bid, highlighting their existing infrastructure and community presence.

• MGM Empire City (Yonkers): An expansion with new restaurants and entertainment, leveraging existing infrastructure.

• Caesars Palace Times Square (Manhattan): A redevelopment of 1515 Broadway, including a hotel, restaurants, and $250 million in community reinvestment.

• Saks Fifth Avenue (Manhattan): A high-end casino on the top three floors of the Midtown store, aiming to attract wealthy tourists.

• Wynn Resorts at Hudson Yards (Manhattan): A new, upscale casino built from the ground up, featuring a significant green space.

• Freedom Plaza (Manhattan): A project including a 1,200-room hotel, 1,300 apartments, an underground casino, and a democracy museum.

• Metropolitan Park (Queens): Steve Cohen's plan for a 50-acre complex including a casino, public park, shops, and restaurants next to Citi Field.

• Bally’s (Bronx): A casino at Trump Golf Links in Throggs Neck, including a hotel, event center, and retail shops.

• The Coney (Brooklyn): A casino on Coney Island's boardwalk, aiming for year-round revitalization.

• Las Vegas Sands (Long Island): A redevelopment of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum into a casino resort.

The Process

A three-person state Gaming Facility Location Board will review proposals, considering community support (via Community Advisory Committees) and environmental factors. A final decision is expected by the end of 2025.

The Stakes

The winning bids represent billions of dollars in investment, thousands of jobs, and significant revenue for the state. The quicker the licenses are approved, the faster these benefits can be realized.