A Coney Island Casino is one step closer to becoming a reality.
According to News 12 Long Island, the New York City Planning Commission approved a plan for a large casino and entertainment complex in Coney Island.
This decision is a big step in one of the city's most debated development projects. It's also a bit surprising since the Land Use Committee recently rejected the request to build a new road for the Coney Island casino.
The developers of the project, known as The Coney, want to build a 1.3 million-square-foot complex that would include a casino, hotel, convention center and retail space.
Some people in the community are worried about the project causing more traffic, increasing crime and pushing out small businesses. Meanwhile, others support the project because they believe it will create jobs and bring investment to the neighborhood.
Next, the application goes to the New York City Council for a public hearing and final vote. Even if the Council approves it, the project still faces a significant challenge: securing one of only three downstate casino licenses from the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board.
The Timeline for New York Downstate Casino Licensing
The Coney Island vote just adds to the momentum as the journey to bring commercial casinos to New York City pushes forward.
It seems like only yesterday that Robert Williams, Executive Director of the New York State Gaming Commission, outlined an extended timeline during a public meeting. That was last year, and now critical deadlines are fast approaching.
As time ticks down, anticipation and debate are intensifying among stakeholders and industry leaders.
The deadlines for the licensing process have been in place for nearly a year:
- June 27, 2025: Deadline for license applications.
- September 30, 2025: Deadline for satisfying Community Advisory Committee requirements.
- December 1, 2025: Projected date for licensing decisions.
This timeline indicates that casinos may not open until 2026 or later. The delay has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the cautious approach while others criticize the extended timeline.
Historical Context and Current Developments
In 2013, people in New York voted to allow commercial casinos in the state, including in the New York City area. The plan was to have up to seven casinos: four upstate and three downstate.
The downstate casinos were initially put on hold for 10 years to give the upstate ones a chance to start first. However, the timeline was later changed to allow applications and decisions for the downstate casinos to happen sooner.
With the 10-year moratorium on downstate casinos nearing its end, interest in these prized licenses is intense.
Multiple Operators Vying for Downstate Casino Licenses
Major gaming industry players, including MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts Ltd and Caesars, are among multiple operators hoping to enter the New York City casino market.
Jim Allen, the Chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International, recently spoke to small business owners and suppliers from Queens. He explained how these businesses could be important in developing a planned $8 billion casino and entertainment site near Citi Field. This project will only proceed if it is chosen for one of the three available gaming licenses in the area later this year.
Caesars Palace Times Square is a planned $1 billion casino and entertainment project in New York City at 1515 Broadway. The project, led by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation, will include a large casino covering 250,000 square feet, a hotel with 950 rooms, restaurants, and entertainment spots, all in the center of Times Square.
Saks Fifth Avenue officially dropped its Midtown casino bid, which would have brought a luxury gaming venue atop its flagship store. Las Vegas Sands also pulled out of the running. It intended to develop a casino project around the Nassau Coliseum, but has now decided against it.
Criteria for License Approval
In an interview that appeared in the "Gothamist," Williams emphasized the financial impact as a crucial factor for license approval. "The infrastructure development that's associated with several of these, we're talking in multiples of billions of dollars,” Williams said.
The Commission is focusing on important factors like the amount of money invested, how much revenue it could generate for New York, and the quality of jobs it will create. They are also considering the design of the project, its relationship with the community, and how well it fits with local infrastructure, such as traffic and emergency services.
As this process continues, the competition among major companies suggests a big change for New York's gaming scene. If the city becomes a hub for casinos, it could greatly impact local economic growth, tourism, and jobs, starting a new phase in New York's commercial development.
