The state’s gaming commission can award up to three licenses downstate, Mayor Eric Adams has expressed a desire for at least two to be in New York City, and a handful of developers and gaming operators are mobilizing to bid for a license to operate in the city.
In Manhattan, Related Companies is eyeing a venue near its Hudson Yards megadevelopment on the Far West Side, while Vornado and SL Green are targeting Times Square. All three of those developers are looking to partner with casino companies, including Hard Rock, Sands and Wynn.
Interest in a casino stretches beyond the island. Hard Rock has been discussing partnering with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen for a Queens casino at Willets Point. Brooklyn is also in the race with the Business mogul John Catsimatidis, who developed the Ocean Drive waterfront residences along the Coney Island oceanfront that has expressed support for opening a casino there.
But while the competition for a new casino is technically for three licenses, it may actually be a fight for only one. Resorts World/Genting at Aqueduct in Queens and the Empire City/MGM at Yonkers plan to apply for a full gaming license after operating for years as slots parlors; their history may give them an edge in the bidding.
Still, bringing a casino anywhere in the city could be an uphill battle. “I strongly oppose a Manhattan casino in concept,” said state Sen. Brad Hoylman, who represents the Hudson Yards and Times Square neighborhoods, to The Post. “Outside forces want a casino. Insiders who live here don’t want a casino.”
But the state does. New York could score at least $500 million for each license. How do you think this is going to turn out?
(sources: therealdeal.com, nypost.com)
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