And down the stretch they come! After months of planning, guessing, and spending, it's all coming to a head.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board held its first meeting, which signals the beginning of the end of the competition for three highly sought-after casino licenses in the downstate area.
This meeting starts a process that will change the future of gambling in New York City and bring big economic benefits to the area.
Four finalists are in the running, each hoping to secure one of the prized licenses and make their mark on the region’s gaming landscape.
Final Four New York Downstate Casino License Contenders
The four finalists for casino licenses in the Empire State include:
- Metropolitan Park (adjacent to Citi Field in Queens)
- Resorts World New York City (Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens)
- MGM Empire City (Yonkers, Westchester County)
- Bally’s Bronx (at the former Trump Golf Links site in the Bronx)
This plan has been in the works for over ten years.
It all started in 2013 with a change to the state constitution allowing up to seven casinos across New York. They decided to open them in two steps: first, four casinos upstate, and then three downstate. The three downstate licenses aim to expand gaming options while keeping an eye on the market size and the effects on local communities.
| Proposal Name | Location | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Park | Citi Field, Queens | $8B project, Hard Rock partnership; unanimous community approval |
| Resorts World New York City | Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens | Genting-backed racino expansion; strong political support |
| MGM Empire City | Yonkers, Westchester County | Existing MGM racino; rapid transition to full casino |
| Bally’s Bronx | Former Trump Golf Links, Bronx | 3.1M sq ft complex; faces some local hurdles |
The purpose of the three casino licenses is to boost the economy, offer new entertainment options, and increase state income by tapping into the potential of the downstate market, including New York City and nearby areas.
The New York Gaming Facility Board's Crucial Role
The board is made up of five experts in banking, economic growth, and housing.
In their first meeting, which was closed to the public, they started looking at final applications from the final four casino operators and developers who are still in the running for one of the valuable licenses.
The board will carefully examine each proposal, looking at several things, including:
- Economic Benefits
- Community Impact
- Financial Stability
- Overall Strength
They can suggest which proposals should get the licenses, but the New York State Gaming Commission has the final say. These licenses are some of the most attractive in the U.S. gaming market.
Starting this review process is more than just a formal step; it's the start of something that could change parts of New York’s downstate area. These casinos could lead to major development projects, create lots of jobs, improve local services, and attract more tourists.
What's Next in the NYC Casino License Battle?
Now that the first meeting is in the books, the board will have several additional private sessions to decide which projects to recommend by December 1, 2025.
The New York State Gaming Commission will then review and possibly approve these recommendations, with plans to grant the licenses by December 31, 2025.
This timeline ensures careful consideration and follows all legal rules before any building starts.
As the board carefully reviews each proposal, people are eager to see what the future of gaming will look like, and which projects will help shape the next phase of gaming in New York. Stay tuned.
