The sports and entertainment landscape of downstate New York may be on the verge of a seismic shift. With the introduction of three new casino facilities, a heated race among developers is brewing. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has taken a pivotal step by setting a bid deadline of June 27, 2025, for these casinos. However, a bill awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature proposes an even tighter timeline, pushing the deadline to August 31, 2024.
A Crucial Bill Awaits
Authored by Senator Joe Addabbo, bill S9673A aims to expedite the process, requiring bidders to submit their proposals by the end of summer 2024. Despite already passing through both the House and Senate in early June, this legislative move is facing scrutiny. The facility location board has expressed concerns about the bill’s aggressive timeline, arguing that bids cannot be reviewed until all “entitlements and zoning” are approved.
As Vicki Been of the board succinctly put it, “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical.” The board echoed this sentiment, noting that the current timeline set by the bill is “unreasonable” due to the necessity of having all environmental impact studies and zoning changes squared away before bid reviewal can commence.
Bidders in the Running
Amid these regulatory tussles, 11 bidders are positioning themselves to seize prime locations across downstate New York. From the bustling heart of Times Square to the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, each proposal aims to bring not just casino facilities but also resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements.
In Manhattan alone, several heavyweights are throwing their hats into the ring. Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming are behind the Avenir project. Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment is joining forces with SL Green and Roc Nation for the Caesars Palace Times Square project. Freedom Plaza, proposed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming, and Wynn New York City, with backing from Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts, are also in contention.
In the Bronx, Bally’s Corporation aims to transform Ferry Point with their Bally’s Links project. Brooklyn could see the Coney Project rise, driven by Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, and Saratoga Casino Holdings. Queens is another focal point, with Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International teaming up for Metropolitan Park, and Genting Group bringing their Resorts World New York City vision to life.
A bid in Yonkers by MGM Resorts International for MGM Empire City and a Nassau County proposal by Las Vegas Sands for Sands New York round out the diverse lineup. Additionally, the Hudson’s Bay Company is preparing a bid for a yet-to-be-determined operator at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Challenges and Optimism
Among the significant hurdles these proposals face is the need for zoning changes, particularly for projects like Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal, which currently require rezoning from their parkland designations. The board acknowledges these challenges but remains hopeful. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Vicki Been noted, emphasizing the complexities involved.
Despite these complications, the board aims to ensure that the overarching goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025 is not impeded. They recognize the potential conflict between their decisions and the stipulations of the bill, and are navigating this terrain with caution and optimism.
The stakes are high, and the outcome of this ambitious endeavor could dramatically reshape the entertainment and economic landscape of downstate New York. Should these proposed developments come to fruition, they promise to bring a mix of commercial and tribal operations, ushering in broader development projects in some of the state's most iconic areas.
As the deadline drama unfolds, the competition among these 11 bidders underscores the high interest and significant potential for growth in the region. The forthcoming months will undoubtedly be a crucial period, determining whether politics or pragmatism will guide the future of gaming in New York.