The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has decided to extend the deadline for downstate casino bids to June 27, 2025. This comes as a bill suggesting an earlier deadline of August 31, 2024, is waiting for Governor Kathy Hochul’s approval.
The new timeline approved on June 27, 2024, requires all applications to be submitted by June 27, 2025. After that, Community Advisory Committees (CACs) will start their evaluations. CACs need to vote on their respective projects by September 30, 2025. Approved applicants will then submit additional materials like proposed tax rates for further assessment.
By December 1, 2025, the board plans to make its decisions, and the New York State Gaming Commission will issue licenses by December 31, 2025. This extended timeline is meant to ensure that all legal and procedural requirements are met, giving communities enough time to share their opinions and allowing applicants to finalize necessary zoning and environmental approvals.
Senator Joe Addabbo’s bill (S9673A) suggests an earlier deadline of August 31, 2024, for bid submissions. However, the board believes this deadline is unrealistic due to the complexity of the bidding process. Bidders must complete zoning changes and environmental impact studies before their proposals can be reviewed. Sites like Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal require rezoning, as they are designated as parkland. Both developers are working to secure approvals from local and state boards for these changes.
There are 11 bidders interested in the three available casino licenses for downstate New York. The proposals and their respective developers and operators include:
– Avenir: Silverstein Properties (Developer), Greenwood Gaming (Casino Operator) – Manhattan
– Bally’s Links at Ferry Point: Bally’s Corporation (Developer and Casino Operator) – The Bronx
– Caesars Palace Times Square: Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, Roc Nation (Developers), Caesars Entertainment (Casino Operator) – Manhattan
– The Coney: Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, Saratoga Casino Holdings (Developers), Saratoga Casino Holdings (Casino Operator) – Brooklyn
– Freedom Plaza: Soloviev Group (Developer), Mohegan Gaming (Casino Operator) – Manhattan
– Metropolitan Park: Steven Cohen (Developer), Hard Rock International (Casino Operator) – Queens
– MGM Empire City: MGM Resorts International (Developer and Casino Operator) – Yonkers
– Resorts World New York City: Genting Group (Developer and Casino Operator) – Queens
– Sands New York: Las Vegas Sands (Developer and Casino Operator) – Long Island, Nassau County
– Saks Fifth Avenue: Hudson’s Bay Company (Developer), TBD (Casino Operator) – Manhattan
– Wynn New York City: Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group (Developers), Wynn Resorts (Casino Operator) – Manhattan
Applicants must also navigate the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) process besides securing community support through CACs. The board’s decision to extend the bid deadline aims to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process, meeting all required standards and listening to the community’s voice.
