New York Casino Licensing Decisions Expected on Monday, Board Not Obligated to Grant Licenses
The long-awaited announcement of the downstate New York casino license winners is set for December 1, 2025. The New York Gaming Facility Location Board will come together to reveal the recipients of the three available gaming licenses that authorize operations in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester County. This decision comes after more than ten years of anticipation and eager speculation. The meeting is scheduled to commence at 10 am at the CUNY Graduate Center’s Proshansky Auditorium in Manhattan on Fifth Avenue.
The evaluation process by the Board is meticulous, focusing 70% on economic activity and business development, 10% on the local impact site, another 10% on workforce enhancement, and finally, 10% on diversity framework. The weightage given to each category reflects the importance of economic prosperity, local relevance, workforce improvements, and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
While the Board has the authority to grant all three available licenses to deserving applicants – which would enable them to offer slot machine, live dealer table games, and sports betting services – there is no obligation for all licenses to be awarded. This points to the possibility that that the Board may choose not to grant any licenses to the remaining bidders.
Currently, only three bids are being considered, as Community Advisory Committees previously rejected proposals from The Coney, Freedom Plaza, Caesars Palace Times Square, and The Avenir. With MGM Empire City pulling out due to shifting economic conditions, Genting’s Resorts World, Hard Rock International, and Bally’s Corp. are the final contenders.
Resorts World New York City, spearheaded by parent company Genting, has proposed a transformative $5.5 billion upgrade for the Queens-based Aqueduct Racetrack location. Six miles away, Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets’ baseball team, and Hard Rock have joined forces to present an $8 billion casino project at Willets Point. In close proximity, Bally’s Corp. intends to invest $4 billion in developing a gaming venue at Ferry Point Park, a project that entails The Trump Organization earning $115 million due to a prior agreement when the lease for the golf course was transferred to Bally’s for $60 million in 2023.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board is an illustrious panel consisting of individuals with diverse expertise in finance, city planning, economics, commercial real estate, and executive leadership. Led by Vicki Been, a distinguished legal professional, the Board also includes members with backgrounds in Hispanic business leadership, university administration, community development, and high-level banking. Their combined expertise and experience make the Board well-equipped to make informed decisions for the benefit of New York City and its residents.