The landscape of downstate New York may soon undergo a transformation as plans for new casino facilities advance. A pivotal step in this process occurred when the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board set a new bid deadline for these casinos—June 27, 2025.
This announcement comes amid legislative maneuvering that could significantly alter the timeline. Currently awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature is a bill authored by Senator Joe Addabbo, known as S9673A, which imposes an earlier deadline of August 31, 2024. If signed, this legislation will override the board's decision, pressing bidders to submit their proposals by the end of the summer next year.
The comprehensive bill managed to pass through both the house and senate in early June, reflecting urgent legislative willingness to expedite the casino development process. However, this pace doesn't come without concerns. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board voiced apprehensions about the ambitious timeline, highlighting that the review of bids is contingent upon all 'entitlements and zoning' being fully approved. Environmental impact studies and the necessary zoning changes are prerequisites that must be satisfied before any bid can be reviewed.
“Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical,” says Vicki Been from the Gaming Facility Location Board, echoing the logistical complications. The board emphasized that they view the current deadline as unreasonable given these essential preconditions.
Proposals Shaping Up
Despite the uncertainties surrounding deadlines, the interest from potential developers remains high. A total of 11 proposals have emerged, each vying to position a casino in prime locations varying from Times Square to Brooklyn. These bids aren't limited to casino facilities alone; they include ambitious plans for resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements, reflecting a blend of commercial and tribal operators.
- 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, operator to be determined, in Manhattan
- Wynn New York City: Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan
Specific proposals such as Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal require rezoning from parkland designations to accommodate the new casino facilities. The procedural hurdles of rezoning and environmental impact studies contribute to the board’s cautious stance towards the expedited timeline mandated by S9673A.
Looking to the Future
During a recent meeting on Thursday, board members acknowledged the potential conflict between their decision and the stipulations of S9673A. Nevertheless, they expressed optimism that obtaining bids by the new deadline would not impede the overarching goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Vicki Been mentioned, hinting at the board’s expectation for a resolution that considers these procedural complexities.
The completion of these projects has far-reaching implications, promising to reshape the entertainment and economic fabric of downstate New York. Introducing gaming and related development projects into some of the state's most iconic areas could herald a new paradigm, potentially offering rejuvenated urban spaces along with economic growth and enhanced local amenities.
As the stakeholders navigate through legislative, environmental, and zoning complexities, the eyes of many remain on Governor Kathy Hochul, whose signature will ultimately decide the pace and direction of this transformational journey. With New York poised on the brink of change, the next few months will be critical in determining how these casino facilities—and the broader development vision attached to them—will unfold.