Coney Island, famous for its hot dogs, might soon stand out in New York for more than just its snacks, thanks to an ambitious casino project.
The Coney has announced a plan to reinvent the entire area with a $3.4 billion entertainment and gaming complex. Now its supporters are adding a key element to the proposal—a $75 million investment in public safety.
This five-year fund is dedicated to strengthening local police, fire, and emergency medical services. By enhancing these essential services,
After clearing a major hurdle that the project faced last month, The Coney is aiming to address a primary community concern: maintaining safety as increased year-round economic activity and foot traffic are anticipated.
Broader Community Commitments
In addition to the public safety fund, The Coney has outlined a $200 million community trust fund that’s set to support various local projects.
This includes improvements to the Coney Island Boardwalk, funding for community grants, and initiatives geared towards workforce development and economic mobility. Through these efforts,
The Coney hopes to transform Coney Island into a thriving, year-round destination that not only entertains but also enhances the local economy and community well-being.
Understanding the Downstate Casino License Process
The state of New York has initiated a competitive bidding process for three downstate casino licenses, aiming to boost economic development and expand entertainment offerings.
This process has attracted various developers eager to seize the opportunity to operate in one of the nation’s most lucrative markets. The licenses are part of a strategic effort to rejuvenate local economies, support job creation, and generate additional tax revenue for the state.
In order to secure a license, developers must present not only financially viable projects but also demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement and development.
Proposals are evaluated on multiple fronts, including economic impact, job creation potential, and contributions to public welfare and safety.
The Coney’s proposal is one among several, each seeking to align with these criteria while also delivering unique value propositions.
The Importance of Community Engagement
For initiatives like The Coney's to succeed, meaningful engagement with community stakeholders is critical.
The developers have actively participated in discussions with local residents, business owners, and leaders to better understand and address their concerns. This approach ensures that any development is not only economically beneficial but also socially responsible and aligned with the community’s needs.
What Lies Ahead for the Downstate Casino License Bidders
Eight bids were officially submitted by the June 27, 2025 deadline for the three coveted licenses. The selection process is now in a crucial community review stage, with the winners expected to be announced by the end of 2025.
Current Status:
Each bid must pass a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) review, which involves public hearings and a vote requiring a two-thirds majority to be eligible for final consideration by the Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB).
After local review, finalists will submit additional materials by late September. The final selection by the New York State Gaming Commission is anticipated by December 2025, though there’s an option to extend into early 2026 if needed
The Eight Final Bidders and Their Sites:
The Avenir (Manhattan, West Side near Javits Center)
Bally’s New York Casino (The Bronx)
Caesars Palace Times Square (Manhattan, Times Square)
Freedom Plaza (Manhattan)
Metropolitan Park (Queens—partnership with Hard Rock and the NY Mets)
MGM Empire City (Yonkers)
Resorts World New York City (Queens, existing racino at Aqueduct)
The Coney (Brooklyn)
Key Evaluation Criteria:
Each license carries a minimum $1 billion investment (a $500 million licensing fee and at least $500 million in capital improvements).
Bids will be judged on factors including potential revenue impact, community support, zoning/environmental approvals, and local economic benefits such as jobs and tax revenue.
CAC meetings are underway and expected to conclude by the end of September.
Front-Runners (Suggested by Industry Analysts):
Industry observers frequently name MGM Empire City (Yonkers) and Resorts World New York City (Queens) as favorites due to their existing infrastructure and established local support, followed by Metropolitan Park and Caesars Palace Times Square as high-profile contenders.
Next Steps and Timeline:
CAC reviews and public input will continue through summer 2025.
Entitlement (zoning/environmental) approvals are due by September 30, 2025.
The Gaming Facility Location Board will make recommendations by December 1, 2025, and the State Gaming Commission aims to award licenses by December 31, 2025.
The process remains highly competitive with significant public and political attention focused on local impacts and community benefits.
As the decision-making process for the downstate casino licenses continues, the focus remains on selecting proposals that offer balanced benefits—delivering entertainment and economic growth while addressing community concerns such as safety and infrastructure development.
With project plans like The Coney’s, the hope is to transform these areas into vibrant destinations, fostering both economic and community vitality. Through continuous collaboration with local stakeholders, these projects aim to achieve a sustainable and prosperous future for the regions they aim to serve.
