In a recent interview with the Gothamist, Robert Williams, the New York State Gaming Commission's executive director, reaffirmed the financial benefits of casino projects will significantly impact which bid receives a license. The commission could approve a maximum of three downtown New York City casinos at the end of 2025.
Williams commented on the proposals the Commission received:
"The infrastructure development that's associated with several of these, we're talking in multiples of billions of dollars.”
He added that the scope of some of the 11 proposals for the casino licenses is “simply breathtaking.”
Williams highlighted key areas that the Commission will consider, including the size of capital investment, revenue for New York, and the quality of jobs the project provides. The Commission will also consider the architecture, design, and “the relationships that they have with local communities, with unions, how the different projects integrate into something as simple as traffic and sewer and water, and fire and police protection.”
Projects Under Consideration
There are 11 projects under consideration, with developer Larry Silverstein proposing The Avenir complex on the West Side, with 400,000 square feet of gaming. The two high-rise proposals also include 1,000 hotel rooms and the opportunity for 5,500 union jobs.
Wynn Resorts wants to develop Wynn New York City in the western half of Hudson Yards, including 35,000 union construction jobs. A partnership between Caesars Entertainment, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and SL Green Realty proposes a casino at 1515 Broadway, potentially attracting more than $100 million in annual Broadway ticket sales.
MGM Resorts would like to redevelop MGM Empire in Yonkers to add a 5,000-seat concert space and a casino to the already existing racino. Meanwhile, the Hudson’s Bay Company suggests converting the top floors of Saks Fifth Avenue into a casino.
The Soloviev Group wants to build a casino and museum dedicated to democracy on a plot across from the United Nations. Resorts World New York City’s owners proposed expanding the existing casino at Aqueduct Race Track in South Ozone Park, adding 1,600 new hotel rooms and a 7,000-seat entertainment venue.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen would like to develop Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, potentially creating 23,000 union jobs.
Bally’s Corporation proposed a 3.1 million square foot complex in the Bronx. Thor Equities and the Chickasaw Nation put forth a plan for a casino and hotel near the Coney Island boardwalk called The Coney.
Las Vegas Sands looks to turn the New York Islanders' former home into a casino in Nassau County, including a luxury spa, hotel, and restaurants.
Slow-Moving Licensing Process Making Ground
New York lawmakers tried to speed up the casino licensing process last year, with State Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow putting forward S9673A to speed things up. However, the bill waited on Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk until the end of the legislative session, ending any chance of streamlining the process.
While licensing has been slow, with a proposal deadline in June, lawmakers should finally make progress on downtown New York City casinos.
