Key Moments:
- Eight casino proposals are competing for three coveted downstate New York licenses
- State officials initially targeted a Dec. 1, 2025, decision date, with final awards by Dec. 31, 2025
- Sen. Joseph Addabbo has indicated that these deadlines may not be met
Ongoing Delays for Downstate Casino Licensing
The long-awaited process for awarding three downstate New York casino licenses is facing possible additional setbacks, as indicated by a prominent state senator. While the original plan called for the licenses to be granted before the end of the current year, these expectations have shifted, leaving industry stakeholders in a holding pattern.
High-yield muni deal for Upstate New York casino is delayed https://t.co/uXsA0RX6H0 – @TheBondBuyer $$ pic.twitter.com/X1tg7UaTKq
— Municipal Bonds (@munibonds) August 26, 2025
Background and Regulatory Process
New York’s 2013 gambling legislation paved the way for four upstate casinos and three downstate locations. The law also granted upstate properties a decade-long exclusivity window on commercial casino operations. That moratorium concluded in February 2023, shifting attention and competition to the lucrative downstate region. Since then, eight high-profile bids have been submitted, but none of the three available licenses have been issued yet.
Sen. Addabbo Points to Possible Delay
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, who leads the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering, has been a strong proponent for advancing the licensing process. Despite his efforts, Addabbo noted that the New York Gaming Facility Location Board is likely to miss its self-set Dec. 1, 2025, deadline for announcing license winners. Under the existing timeline, the three licenses are scheduled to be fully granted by Dec. 31 upon payment of a $500 million fee per winning bidder.
Before any final decision, each bid requires approval by a two-thirds majority from its respective Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Voting by all eight CACs is set to take place no later than Sept. 30.
Competing Bids in the Spotlight
| Project | Location |
|---|---|
| The Avenir | 11th Ave & 41st St., Manhattan |
| Bally’s Bronx | Ferry Point, Bronx |
| Caesars Palace Times Square | 1515 Broadway, Manhattan |
| The Coney | Coney Island, Brooklyn |
| Freedom Plaza | 686 1st Ave., Manhattan |
| MGM Empire City | Empire City Casino, Yonkers |
| Metropolitan Park | Willets Point, Queens |
| Resorts World New York City | Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens |
Uncertain Timeline and Next Steps
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board’s website now lists all eight applicants and affirms that it expects to make its decisions by Dec. 1, 2025, with licensure completed by Dec. 31, 2025. However, these dates are not legally binding and were established during the board’s June 27, 2024, meeting. As a result, further delays are possible, signaling ongoing uncertainty for investors and operators awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes licensing process.
- Author
Daniel Williams
