And down the stretch they come!
The race for New York's three casino licenses in the downstate area is now narrowed to the final four:
- Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, backed by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock
- Bally’s Bronx, located at the old Trump Golf Links site
- Resorts World New York City in Queens
- MGM’s Empire City in Yonkers
Metropolitan Park was the last to be approved (unanimously) by the Community Advisory Committee. This green light means they move forward to the final decision phase with the State Gaming Commission, which will pick up to three winners by year’s end.
The Final Four Contenders For New York Casino Licenses
The field originally started with 11 contenders, but was slowly whittled down to 8, and now to the final four. Each project has its own unique features and is ambitious in its own way. Here's a closer look at each:
1. Metropolitan Park (Adjacent to Citi Field, Queens): Backed by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock, this ambitious $8 billion project aims to transform a sprawling 50-acre parking lot into a vibrant entertainment district.
The proposal includes a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, live music venues, a large public park, and extensive community amenities.
Recently, it received a major boost when a Community Advisory Committee gave it a unanimous 6-0 vote to advance to the final decision stage. The project promises to create 23,000 jobs, making it a significant community asset.
2. Resorts World New York City (Queens): Located at the Aqueduct Racetrack, this proposal is seeking to expand its current "racino" (a race track with gaming machines) into a full-blown casino.
Resorts World is considered a strong contender due to its existing gaming infrastructure, which offers a seamless transition to a full casino. Genting has also gotten strong support from Queens politicians during this lengthy process.
3. MGM Empire City (Yonkers, Westchester County): Similar to Resorts World, MGM Empire City operates as a racino.
Empire City Casino is a strong candidate for a full casino license due to its previous $1 billion investment in the property, a factor that the Gaming Facility Location Board considers, as well as its supportive relationship with Westchester business leaders.
Its established operations also make it a favorite to secure a license, as it can quickly transition to offer full-service casino gaming.
4. Bally’s Bronx (Former Trump Golf Links, Bronx): This proposal from Bally’s aims to bring a new casino to the Bronx. Although it faced a challenging approval process, it narrowly passed its Community Advisory Committee with a 5-1 vote.
The proposed complex, covering 3.1 million square feet, will feature a casino, a 500-room hotel with meeting areas, and a 2,000-seat event center.
It's anticipated to create 15,000 construction jobs and 3,700 unionized jobs once finished. The site aims to boost local economic development.
Why Resorts World, MGM, and Metropolitan Park Lead the Pack
Industry observers suggest that Resorts World and MGM Empire City are likely to snatch two of the licenses, given their operational readiness and minimal local opposition. Metropolitan Park is seen as having strong potential for the third license, thanks to its sweeping design and broad community support.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of each of the project's chances of landing one of the three downstate casino licenses:
Project-by-Project Odds
Resorts World New York City: This project is a top pick because Resorts World already runs a successful gaming operation at the racetrack. It has the infrastructure to easily become a full casino and has strong support from the public, workers, and politicians.
MGM Empire City: MGM's operation in Yonkers also has a solid track record. It's considered a strong contender because it offers stability and can quickly expand into a full casino. Its location is attractive to the state because it helps spread economic benefits beyond Manhattan and Queens.
Metropolitan Park: This ambitious $8 billion proposal received a unanimous thumbs-up from the Community Advisory Committee. It promises to create 23,000 jobs and includes big plans for public and transportation improvements. The project has strong support from local business leaders, labor groups, and politicians.
Why These Projects Stand Out
Existing Operations: Resorts World and MGM can easily transform their current gaming sites into full casinos, ensuring the state starts collecting tax revenue quickly.
Community and Political Support: All three projects have strong backing in their communities, with Metropolitan Park recently gaining unanimous approval from a key committee.
Regulatory Preferences: New York's Gaming Facility Location Board and Gaming Commission favor projects that can be opened without much controversy, are completed quickly, and provide significant economic benefits.
Bally’s Bronx made the final four, but it passed with the thinnest margin from its Community Advisory Committee and faces more complicated zoning, environmental, and political hurdles than the three frontrunners.
How Will the License Decisions be Made?
The New York State Gaming Commission is tasked with assessing each proposal based on various factors, including
- Economic impact
- Community benefits
- Jobs creation
- Diversity plans
With recommendations due by December 2025, the final decisions will shape New York City's casino landscape for decades.
The Timeline and What's Next
- October 15, 2025: Approved applicants submit additional materials, including proposed tax rates.
- December 1, 2025: The Gaming Facility Location Board will announce up to three final proposals recommended for licensure.
- December 31, 2025: The New York State Gaming Commission will formally award the licenses, with each winner paying a $500 million licensing fee.
Following these announcements, the winning projects will start preparations for construction and operational setup by early 2026.
In short, the frontrunners — Resorts World, MGM Empire City, and Metropolitan Park — stand out with their unique offerings, strong support, and readiness. Bally's Bronx remains a possible wildcard.
This competition not only promises to enhance New York's gaming landscape but also promises to deliver lasting economic and community benefits. Stay tuned as we await the final decisions in this high-stakes race!
