Key Moments:
- The competition for three downstate casino licenses in New York has intensified as the September 30 deadline approaches.
- Freedom Plaza and Resorts World NYC both underwent public hearings, while Bally’s Bronx faced proposed amendments from its community advisory committee.
- The Resorts World NYC bid received widespread community support and political endorsements without any expressed opposition during its latest hearing.
Public Hearings Spotlight Leading Casino Bids
As the race for three highly coveted downstate New York casino licenses accelerates toward the September 30 deadline, a series of high-stakes developments unfolded across the city. Key proposals – Freedom Plaza in Manhattan, Resorts World NYC in Queens, and Bally’s Bronx – each navigated pivotal public or committee sessions.
Freedom Plaza Faces Intense Debate
The Freedom Plaza project, backed by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming, underwent its second public forum at Scandinavia House. This extensive $11 billion plan calls for the construction of a casino, dual hotel towers, multiple residential buildings, and a Museum of Democracy, all adjacent to the United Nations.
Mohegan Chief Strategy Officer Nelson Parker told attendees that, based on internal polling, support for Freedom Plaza rose from 61% in December 2024 to 66% in September 2025, noting increased interest in the project. Despite this, public opinion remained divided. While supporters praised the non-gaming elements, concerns lingered over the suitability of a casino in the area’s dense urban setting.
Parker emphasized that, “had it not been for the gaming facility licence,” the benefits package and infrastructure improvements would not be possible. Supporters, including dozens of Mohegan Sun employees from Connecticut and union advocates, highlighted the promise of 25,000 construction jobs – the largest employment pledge among all proposals. Jerry Kremer, a former state assemblyman and consultant, stated: “This proposal, in my opinion, will uplift the community, increase real estate values, create new green space to help the community here and a lot of other things that do nothing compared to all the other pending proposals.”
Local residents, however, raised strong reservations about the appropriateness of locating a casino within a densely populated city. Linda, an attendee, said, “I’m happy that Mohegan Sun employees and Soloviev employees have been here to talk about their life’s history and their success, and may that always remain so. But that has nothing to do with putting a casino in the middle of a city and comparing that to one that was built in … Connecticut in a very rural area.”
No vote or further hearings have been scheduled for the Freedom Plaza proposal at this time.
It's looking dicey for SL Green and Silverstein's Manhattan casino bids, both of which face binding votes tomorrow.@DickGottfried, who's on both community advisory committees, told me members have been influenced by residents' testimony against the bids:https://t.co/EhWrfJV82O
— Nick Garber (@nick_garber) September 16, 2025
Resorts World NYC Gains Momentum with Community Backing
Meanwhile, at Queens Borough Hall, the second public hearing for Resorts World NYC experienced an outpouring of community support and faced no voiced opposition. The venue had earned unanimous praise at its previous community hearing in August.
Kevin Jones, Chief Legal and Strategy Officer for Resorts World, cited the project’s major advantages: an established site, existing zoning and labor agreements, and readiness for rapid expansion. If successful, Resorts World NYC would convert from a video lottery terminal operation to a fully licensed commercial casino, with a proposed $5.5 billion phased expansion.
Elected officials offered endorsements, including state Senator Joe Addabbo, who remarked, “Resorts World’s always been there for our community. So this is not a risk for this CAC to vote on, this is a proven commodity in Ozone Park. This is a proven commodity for our city, this is a proven commodity for our state.”
Bally’s Bronx Confronts Committee Amendment Process
Elsewhere, Bally’s Bronx’s community advisory committee convened behind closed doors to propose a series of amendments to the casino bid in nine categories, such as local hiring, traffic management, parkland preservation, environmental standards, and the creation of a benefit fund directed by the community. Bally’s has been given until 5 p.m. on September 19 to respond; otherwise, the amendments will be considered rejected. The company declined to comment on the matter. The move to submit amendments rather than proceeding to a final vote indicates ongoing uncertainty within the committee.
Upcoming Decisions and Hearing Schedules
Looking ahead, CAC votes are set for the Caesars Times Square and Avenir projects on Wednesday morning. CACs are obligated to conduct at least two hearings for each project, with the flexibility to hold more sessions if needed.
Summary Table: Key Downstate Casino Proposals
| Proposal | Location | Main Features | Community Advisory Committee Actions | Planned Expansion/Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Plaza | Manhattan | Casino, hotel towers, residential towers, Museum of Democracy | No vote or additional hearings scheduled | $11 billion development |
| Resorts World NYC | Queens | Existing site, plans for full-scale casino | Strong support, no opposition in public hearing | $5.5 billion phased expansion |
| Bally’s Bronx | Bronx | Casino proposal, amendments under negotiation | CAC submitted amendments; awaiting Bally’s response by September 19 | Not specified |
| Caesars Times Square | Manhattan | Casino proposal | CAC vote scheduled for Wednesday | Not specified |
| Avenir | Not specified | Casino proposal | CAC vote scheduled for Wednesday | Not specified |
- Author
Daniel Williams
