New York City, November 29, 2025
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board will announce decisions on up to three downstate casino licenses by December 1, 2025. This initiative aims to expand commercial gaming in New York City, potentially boosting economic activity and job creation across local communities. With four major proposals currently under review, including ambitious projects in the Bronx, Queens, and near Citi Field, the outcomes will significantly shape the region’s gaming landscape and economy.
New York City
Up to Three Downstate Casino Licenses Set for Decision by 2025
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board is gearing up to announce its decisions on up to three downstate casino licenses by December 1, 2025. This development is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to expand commercial gaming facilities, a move that could yield significant economic benefits and invigorate local businesses across the city.
After voters approved gaming facilities in New York through a statewide referendum in 2013, the state has made strides in establishing a framework for the licensing and regulation of commercial casinos. The upcoming decisions will play a critical role in shaping the future of the gaming landscape in an already thriving metropolitan economy.
Four Major Proposals Under Review
Currently, the Gaming Facility Location Board is considering four major proposals for new casino projects, each with unique offerings that promise to enhance economic activity and job creation in the surrounding communities:
- Bally’s Bronx: This ambitious $4 billion project is planned for Ferry Point in the Bronx and will feature a 500-room hotel, a 500,000-square-foot casino, and a wealth of additional amenities.
- Resorts World New York City: Plans for a $5.5 billion redevelopment in Queens could potentially generate up to $4 billion in taxes by 2031, a value proposition that is likely to draw community support.
- Metropolitan Park: Backed by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, this $8 billion proposal near Citi Field aims to create the largest integrated resort in the United States, a project with implications for extensive job creation and tourism growth.
- MGM Empire City: MGM Resorts International has withdrawn its application for a full casino at Empire City Casino in Yonkers due to shifting market conditions, highlighting the competitiveness of the casino landscape in New York.
The board will assess these proposals based on several important criteria, including the potential for economic activity, local community impact, workforce enhancement, and diversity frameworks. These standards ensure that each project not only offers entertainment options but also contributes positively to their respective neighborhoods and the economy at large.
Timelines and Next Steps
The proposed timeline for the casino licensing process is structured to allow for robust competition and community involvement. The application deadline for the gaming licenses is set for June 27, 2025, followed by Community Advisory Committee votes by September 30, 2025. The board’s decisions are expected to be announced by December 1, 2025, with final approvals to follow by December 31, 2025. Aspiring operators will need to pay a hefty license fee of $500 million each, a substantial investment that underscores the lucrative nature of the gaming sector in New York.
Community and Economic Impact
The potential for increased tax revenues and job creation associated with these casino proposals cannot be understated. Each project is expected not only to enhance the gaming experience in New York City but also to create numerous jobs and stimulate local businesses. As entrepreneurs leverage these new opportunities, local economies can thrive, embodying the innovative spirit that has long characterized the region.
With community feedback integral to the evaluation process, local residents have a unique opportunity to influence the decision-making that will shape their neighborhoods for years to come. Engaging with the proposals ensures that community needs are met alongside economic ambitions.
Conclusion
The upcoming decisions by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board represent a pivotal moment for the state’s commercial gaming industry and the potential revitalization of several neighborhoods. With opportunities on the horizon, local entrepreneurs, investors, and residents alike should engage in the process to pave the way for a prosperous future. Support for local businesses and participation in community discussions will ultimately ensure that the economic growth resulting from these projects reflects the collective interests of New York’s diverse communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board?
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board is responsible for overseeing the siting and evaluation process for up to three commercial casinos in the downstate region of New York State.
What are the criteria for evaluating casino proposals?
The board evaluates proposals based on economic activity, local impact, workforce enhancement, and diversity framework.
When will the board announce its decisions on the casino licenses?
The board is expected to announce its decisions by December 1, 2025, with final approvals by December 31, 2025.
What is the background of the casino licensing process in New York?
In 2013, New York voters approved gaming facilities in a statewide referendum, leading to the establishment of the Gaming Facility Location Board. The board has been overseeing the siting and evaluation process for up to three commercial casinos in the downstate region.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Licenses | Up to three downstate commercial casino licenses |
| Application Deadline | June 27, 2025 |
| Community Advisory Committee Vote Deadline | September 30, 2025 |
| Board’s Decision Announcement | December 1, 2025 |
| Final Approval Deadline | December 31, 2025 |
| License Fee | $500 million per license |
Now Happening on X
- @VitalCityNYC (November 26, 2025): Vital City shares a detailed article explaining the casino licensing process and how New York reached this decision point for downstate gaming facilities. View on X
- @District1ResNYC (November 29, 2025): Discusses how funding for MTA service expansion in Queens relies on approval of the casino license next Monday, highlighting local transit and economic ties. View on X
- @MyTransitApp (November 24, 2025): Reports on the state casino licensing board’s visit to the potential Bally’s Ferry Point site in the Bronx as the NYC license decision approaches. View on X
- @MinKwonCenter (November 26, 2025): Calls for suspension of the gaming license process due to new community data, urging rejection of the Metropolitan Park casino proposal over local concerns. View on X
- @queenspost (November 22, 2025): Covers the Metropolitan Park casino bid group signing a pre-development agreement with the city, shortly after a judge temporarily blocked the deal. View on X
- @casinolifemag (November 25, 2025): Features Metropolitan Gaming CEO Michael Silberling warning that proposed MGD increases could derail reforms and lead to dozens of casino closures. View on X
- @BustaLoney (November 27, 2025): Argues that the casino development, like Steve Cohen’s project, will generate massive annual revenue and boost earnings for Citi Field and the Mets. View on X
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