New York Gaming Board Reviews Downstate Casino Applications as Process Extends into 2024

New York's Gaming Facility Location Board continued its detailed evaluation of downstate commercial casino licence applications through 2024, with the complex multi-applicant process extending beyond initial timeline expectations as Community Advisory Committees (CACs) formed across the competing proposals and the board conducted substantive assessments of each application.

The Applications Under Review

Six major applications were in active review for the three available downstate casino licences:

MGM Resorts International — Empire City Casino, Yonkers MGM's proposal sought to convert Empire City Casino in Yonkers — which operates video lottery terminals — into a full commercial casino. MGM's existing presence and the facility's established customer base gave this proposal a strong foundational argument. Yonkers's location in Westchester County gives it access to northern New York City suburbs.

Genting Americas — Resorts World NYC, Queens Genting sought to expand Resorts World NYC at Aqueduct Racetrack in Jamaica, Queens from a VLT facility into a full casino. Resorts World NYC's existing large customer base, its NYC public transit accessibility, and its location within the city limits made it a leading candidate.

Las Vegas Sands Las Vegas Sands proposed a major new development in the New York City area. The company — which had no existing New York property — proposed a large-scale integrated resort development.

Wynn Resorts / Related Companies Wynn partnered with Related Companies (developer of Hudson Yards) with a proposal for a Manhattan-area development.

Caesars Entertainment / SL Green Caesars proposed a Times Square location in partnership with commercial real estate firm SL Green Realty, which owns significant Times Square-area property.

Hard Rock International / New York Mets Hard Rock partnered with the Wilpon-owned interests and later Sterling Equities/Mets ownership on a proposal near Citi Field in Queens.

Community Advisory Committees

Each proposal required a Community Advisory Committee, consisting of elected officials and community representatives in the relevant area, to vote on whether to support or oppose the application. The CAC process was designed to ensure local community input before the Gaming Facility Location Board made its recommendations. Several proposals faced significant local opposition, particularly Manhattan-focused projects that drew pushback from residents and neighbourhood groups.

Licence Fee and Timeline

New York's downstate casino licences carry a $500 million licence fee per operator — among the highest in the country — as well as significant GGR tax obligations. The high financial bar was intended to ensure only well-capitalised operators with serious development commitments could compete.