In the bustling world of New York’s downstate casino licensing, the competition is intensifying as the critical voting deadline of September 30 approaches. There are eight proposals on the table, all vying for just three coveted licenses. These projects, which have been in development for many years, are now gearing up for decisive votes from their respective community advisory committees (CACs). To move forward, each proposal requires a two-thirds majority vote from these local committees. For most projects in New York City, this means securing approval from four out of six members, while MGM Empire City in Yonkers needs four out of five.
On Monday, three pivotal hearings took place: the second public hearings for Freedom Plaza and Resorts World NYC, and a session where Bally’s Bronx CAC suggested amendments to their proposal in a bid to secure various commitments. Meanwhile, the proposals for Caesars Times Square and Avenir are poised for votes, scheduled for Wednesday morning. Initially, CAC members were told they needed to hold at least two hearings, with additional sessions possible as needed. However, with votes on the horizon for Caesars and Avenir—both of which have endured lengthy hearings—the reluctance to extend proceedings further is apparent.
For those invested in New York’s casino prospects, years of diligent effort are about to be tested.
Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming’s Freedom Plaza proposal, located near the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, stands out among the contenders due to its scale and cost. With an estimated budget of $11 billion, the plan includes a casino, two hotel towers, two residential towers, and even a Museum of Democracy. During a presentation preceding public commentary, Mohegan’s Chief Strategy Officer Nelson Parker highlighted that local support for the project has grown from 61% in December 2024 to 66% today, thanks to increased awareness and publicity. Despite this, Parker acknowledged the central controversy: the casino itself. At a previous hearing, while non-gaming amenities were praised, the casino faced strong opposition.
Parker emphasized, however, that the full benefits package offered by the project wouldn’t be achievable without the casino license. To bolster their case, Mohegan and Soloviev transported dozens of employees to the hearing, who spoke in favor of the proposal, with Mohegan Sun staff traveling from Connecticut. Labor unions also showed their support, with Freedom Plaza promising 25,000 construction jobs—the most of any New York casino proposal. The Local 3 electrical union made a significant showing at Monday’s hearing, along with some political backers. Jerry Kremer, a consultant and former state assemblyman, expressed optimism, asserting that the proposal would uplift the community and enhance real estate values, while surpassing the other competing bids.
Nonetheless, local residents voiced their displeasure with the casino aspect during the hearing at Scandinavia House. The arrival of Mohegan and Soloviev supporters was a fresh source of frustration. “It’s wonderful that Mohegan Sun and Soloviev employees shared their stories,” noted a resident named Linda, “but that doesn’t justify placing a casino in an urban environment, unlike the rural setting in Connecticut.” As it stands, no vote date or additional hearings have been scheduled for Freedom Plaza.
Meanwhile, Resorts World NYC held a second hearing at Queens Borough Hall three weeks after receiving unanimous support from community groups and nonprofits at its first meeting in mid-August. Monday’s session was another display of enthusiastic support, with no opposition voiced. Prior to public comments, Resorts World Chief Legal and Strategy Officer Kevin Jones delivered a compelling presentation, emphasizing the project’s strengths: rapid market entry, an established site, local expertise, and finalized labor and zoning agreements. These factors have positioned it as a frontrunner in the race for a New York casino license.
Should it secure a license, the venue, currently a video lottery terminal (VLT) facility, will transition into a commercial casino, embarking on a phased $5.5 billion expansion. Since its debut in 2011, the facility has contributed billions in state taxes. Despite lacking a full license, it consistently ranks among the top-grossing casinos in the United States, with annual revenue nearing $1 billion. “We’ve achieved this while reducing neighborhood crime, boosting land values, enhancing the quality of life, and leading responsible gaming initiatives,” Jones stated.
State Senator Joe Addabbo, a prominent advocate for gambling legislation in New York, was among the supporters. “Resorts World has always supported our community,” he remarked, “so this isn’t a gamble for the CAC—it’s a proven asset for Ozone Park, the city, and our state.” Numerous community groups and nonprofits praised Resorts World, with many acknowledging their initial skepticism when it first launched as a VLT facility. However, 14 years of community engagement have set it apart from other proposals, most of which have been drumming up support for less than three years. State Senator Leroy Comrie echoed this sentiment, stating, “They’ve earned a full license, no question, because they made gaming resources accessible and appreciated by New Yorkers. Overlooking them for others would be a grave mistake.”
As with Freedom Plaza, no vote date or additional hearings for Resorts World NYC have been announced.
Earlier in the day, Bally’s Bronx CAC convened in a closed-door session to propose amendments to their project, marking the first such meeting in the New York casino process. No other CAC has requested amendments thus far. Bally’s CAC presented several amendments across nine categories, including commitments related to a community-led benefit fund, employment practices, environmental considerations, and public safety.
Bally’s Bronx has already conducted two hearings, with the second one sparking political fireworks last week. The CAC is free to vote at any time before the September 30 deadline. However, opting for an amendment hearing over an immediate vote suggests the committee may still be uncertain in its backing. Bally’s now has until 5 p.m. on September 19 to respond to the proposed amendments; otherwise, they’ll be deemed rejected. Bally’s has declined to comment on the amendments.
With less than two weeks remaining until the deadline, the stakes are high for all contenders in New York’s casino race. As the decision-making process enters its final stages, the next few days will be crucial for these projects, each hoping to secure a lucrative foothold in one of the world’s most competitive gaming markets.
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