The Resorts World New York City Casino and Hyatt Regency Hotel in Queens.
Courtesy of Perkins Eastman
The New York State Gaming Commission is gearing up for a pivotal meeting on Monday, which promises to finalize the approval for all three full-scale NYC casino sites. This is a significant step in the ongoing evolution of New York’s gaming landscape.
Scheduled to take place at the Robert F. Smith Center for the Performing Arts at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in Manhattan, the meeting will also be livestreamed, making it accessible to a wider audience. This approach emphasizes transparency in a decision that stands to impact many residents.
On the agenda is the “consideration of gaming facilities licensing” for the locations that received a favorable recommendation from the Location Board on December 1. The selected sites include Bally’s in the Bronx, and both Hard Rock Metropolitan Park and Resorts World New York City, both located in Queens. This selection process has been arduous but crucial for the city’s gaming future.
The recent endorsement from the NYS Gaming Facility’s Location Board marks a critical milestone in the casino bidding process. The timeline set forth targets completion of licensing before the year’s end, ensuring that these sites can move forward without further delay. At the next meeting on December 15, final approvals are expected, solidifying these venues’ statuses.
This culmination of proposals represents the remaining contenders in a lengthy bidding contest that attracted various developers and gaming companies seeking to secure a coveted downstate casino license. While many hopeful bidders withdrew or faced rejection from community committees, Bally’s, Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World successfully advanced through the ranks, illustrating their strong proposals and community engagement efforts.
Revenue for the Local Economy
The board estimates that the three casino projects will generate approximately $7 billion in gaming tax revenue between 2027 and 2036. In addition, they predict around $5.9 billion in other tax revenue, which will be pivotal in supporting public schools and enhancing transportation infrastructure across the city.
The commission articulated a vision where these projects could significantly transform local communities, create job opportunities for residents, and provide a much-needed revenue influx to the MTA and the educational system. “We entered this process with a tabula rasa and are concluding with three impressive projects,” they stated, underscoring the potential for positive community impact.
However, the journey has not been without controversy. Protesters have made their voices heard at several casino bidding meetings this year, and additional demonstrations could occur at Monday’s event. Although the meeting is open to the public, officials have indicated that no public comment will be taken during the proceedings. Participants are prohibited from bringing signs or multimedia visual aids, aiming to maintain order during this crucial gathering.
Individuals seeking more information on the meeting and how to tune in can visit gaming.ny.gov. This platform will provide updates and further details on the expected outcomes of the meeting.
