UPDATE: The New York Gaming Facility Location Board is set to award up to three downstate casino licenses at a meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on December 1, 2023, in Manhattan. This pivotal gathering marks the culmination of a two-year campaign to introduce full casino gambling—including high-stakes table games like blackjack and roulette—to the New York City area.
With only three contenders remaining, the stakes are high, and the board may not issue all licenses. The favored candidate, Resorts World New York City, plans a staggering $5.5 billion investment to transform the Aqueduct Racetrack site in South Ozone Park, Queens. This ambitious project includes a new 500,000 square-foot gaming floor featuring over 6,000 slot machines and 800 table games. Additionally, the resort aims to construct 2,000 hotel rooms and a 7,000-seat entertainment arena.
Another strong candidate is the Metropolitan Park proposal, spearheaded by Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, in partnership with Hard Rock Casino. This project, if approved, will be located on a 50-acre parking lot adjacent to Citi Field. Plans include a casino with 5,000 slot machines, 375 table games, and an 18,000 sq. ft. sportsbook. The development also envisions a 25-acre public park, alongside new shops and restaurants.
The third active bid comes from Bally’s Casino in Throggs Neck, Bronx. Following the withdrawal of MGM Empire City last month, Bally’s chances have improved significantly. Their proposal includes a 500,000 sq. ft. gaming floor with 3,500 slot machines and 250 table games, as well as a 2,000-seat event center and various dining and retail options. This project is set to be developed at the site of the Ballys Links Golf Casino, located near the scenic Ferry Point Park.
The board meeting will take place at the CUNY Graduate Center Proshansky Auditorium, located at 365 5th Ave. in Midtown Manhattan. The session will be streamed live on YouTube, allowing the public to witness these critical decisions as they unfold.
As the countdown to the meeting begins, the implications of these decisions could reshape the entertainment landscape of New York City. With billions at stake and the potential for thousands of jobs, the outcome will be closely monitored by industry experts, local residents, and investors alike.
Stay tuned for live updates as we approach this historic meeting. The outcome of these casino licenses is not just a game; it’s a decisive moment for the future of New York’s gaming industry.
