Downstate New York's Casino Landscape Faces Major Overhaul
In a move set to revolutionize the entertainment and economic framework of downstate New York, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has unveiled plans for three new casino facilities. This substantial development promises to transform iconic regions such as Times Square, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Shifting Deadlines and Legislative Interference
The board recently announced a new bid deadline of June 27, 2025. However, this timeline could be upended by an imminent piece of legislation, awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature, setting a significantly earlier bid deadline of August 31, 2024. This bill, known as S9673A, was authored by Senator Joe Addabbo and successfully passed through both the house and senate in early June.
Board members have openly expressed their concerns regarding the ambitious timeline proposed by the bill. The backbone of their argument lies in the procedural complexity involved in securing the necessary ‘entitlements and zoning’ approvals—a process they emphasize must precede any bid reviews.
“Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable,” stated the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board. Similarly, Vicki Been, a key board member, noted, “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical.”
Environmental and Zoning Hurdles
The journey from bid submission to the opening of casino doors is fraught with numerous regulatory checkpoints. Environmental impact studies and zoning changes are just the tip of the iceberg. Existing proposals like Bally’s Bronx and Steve Cohen’s Queens project require rezoning efforts to transition from their current parkland designations to casino-compatible zones.
The facility location board's cautious optimism is evident as they navigate the fine line between legislative pressures and sustainable planning. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Been added.
A Diverse Line-Up of Bidders
There is a competitive field of 11 bidders vying for what could be some of the most sought-after casino licenses in the United States. Proposals range from Times Square’s vibrant pulse to Brooklyn's unique cultural tapestries, extending to Nassau County, Long Island. These proposals not only focus on casino facilities but also encompass broader community enhancements such as resorts, housing units, and neighborhood developments.
The impressive roster includes:
- Avenir: Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming in Manhattan
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point: Bally’s Corporation in The Bronx
- Caesars Palace Times Square: Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation in Manhattan
- Coney Project: Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, Saratoga Casino Holdings in Brooklyn
- Freedom Plaza: Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming in Manhattan
- Metropolitan Park: Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International in Queens
- MGM Empire City: MGM Resorts International in Yonkers
- Resorts World New York City: Genting Group in Queens
- Sands New York: Las Vegas Sands in Nassau County, Long Island
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Hudson’s Bay Company, with the operator to be determined, in Manhattan
- Wynn New York City: Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan
These competitors represent a mix of commercial and tribal operators, illustrating a broad spectrum of strategies and visions for integrating gaming into the urban fabric.
The Path Forward
The board remains hopeful that the extension to June 2025 will not impede the ultimate goal of issuing licenses by the end of that year. This timeline aims to ensure a meticulous and balanced approach, addressing environmental, zoning, and community concerns before any final decisions are made.
As the deadline inches closer, the dynamic interplay between legislative mandates and practical planning will dictate the trajectory of this monumental project. Stakeholders, ranging from local governments to global entertainment giants, eagerly await the next steps in a process poised to redefine downstate New York's entertainment and economic landscape.