Key Moments:
- The competition for three downstate New York casino licenses is set to conclude by December 1
- MGM Empire City, Resorts World New York City, and Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park are emerging as the leading candidates
- Community Advisory Committees have cast critical votes, shaping the prospects for several high-profile bids
Reshaping New York’s Casino Landscape
The contest for three coveted downstate New York casino licenses is coming to an end, with the final decision expected by December 1. Throughout the process, MGM Empire City in Yonkers, Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack in Brooklyn, and Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park at Willets Point in Queens have risen to the forefront among bidders.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board is restricted to considering only those applications that receive at least three-fifths support from their respective Community Advisory Committees (CAC). In recent decisions, the CACs for Caesars Palace Times Square, The Avenir in Hell’s Kitchen, and Freedom Plaza in Midtown East each voted 4-2 against moving those multi-billion-dollar casino proposals forward. Out of the five remaining contenders, only four are anticipated to advance with CAC endorsements.
MGM Empire City and Resorts World have consistently been regarded as favorites due to their longstanding investments and ties to the community. Industry observers have expected both companies, operated by MGM Resorts and Malaysia-based Genting, to secure licenses covering slots, live dealer table games, and retail sports betting.
Community Response Shapes Bidding
The Bally’s Bronx proposal is projected to receive CAC support amid a host of concerns. However, strong community opposition has threatened its path. The plan for an integrated resort at Ferry Point Golf Links faced rejection from Bronx Community Board 10, and a key land-use zoning change required for the project was denied by the New York City Council in July.
Despite city lawmakers’ resistance, the proposal found new life when New York City Mayor Eric Adams exercised his veto power on the council’s decision. Under the agreement for the land, the Trump Organization stands to receive $115 million if Bally’s secures one of the gaming licenses. While Mayor Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and other key figures hold crucial votes, persistent opposition and concerns about Bally’s financial condition and its ability to fund the project have cast doubts on the bid’s eventual success.
Setbacks for Competing Proposals
The Coney, a casino plan in Brooklyn led by Thor Equities, Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation’s Global Gaming Solutions, and Legends, has struggled to gain momentum. Despite efforts to revitalize Coney Island and bring economic growth, the $3 billion project encountered significant objections from Brooklyn Community Board 13 and several members of its CAC. Notably, CAC Chair Justin Brannon, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso have all cited a lack of community support as the main reason for their opposition.
Other major proposals such as Caesars Palace Times Square, The Avenir, and Freedom Plaza failed to gain the necessary CAC backing, effectively ending their bids for a downstate gaming license. The withdrawal of Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts further cleared the path for the leading contenders.
Metropolitan Park’s Momentum
Hard Rock’s partnership with Steve Cohen for a casino at Citi Field has maintained strong standing throughout the process. Endorsements from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblymember Larinda Hooks, and City Councilmember Francisco Moya have positioned the Willets Point bid as a favorite, despite at least one “nay” vote from State Senator Jessica Ramos. The outcome will hinge on further support from appointees of Governor Hochul or Mayor Adams, who have consistently voted in favor of remaining projects.
Summary Table: Status of Downstate NY Casino Bids
| Project | Location | Lead Company | CAC Outcome | Notable Support / Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGM Empire City | Yonkers | MGM Resorts | Expected to advance | Longstanding local investment |
| Resorts World NYC | Aqueduct Racetrack, Brooklyn | Genting | Expected to advance | Strong community support |
| Metropolitan Park | Willets Point, Queens | Hard Rock/Steve Cohen | Likely to advance | Majority local official support; some opposition |
| Bally’s Bronx | Ferry Point Golf Links, Bronx | Bally’s Corp. | Possible endorsement | Significant community, council opposition; financial questions |
| The Coney | Coney Island, Brooklyn | Thor Equities consortium | Facing rejection | Opposed by CAC leadership, community boards, and borough president |
| Caesars Palace Times Square, The Avenir, Freedom Plaza | Manhattan | Various | Voted down | CACs voted 4-2 against |
Looking Ahead
As the December 1 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which will decide the fate of the state’s next generation of casinos. With MGM Empire City, Resorts World, and Metropolitan Park moving closer to the finish line, investors are watching closely for final decisions that could reshape New York’s gaming and hospitality sectors.
- Author
Daniel Williams
