Poker Writer
The battle for the coveted Downstate New York casino licenses is close to an end, as a five-member Gaming Facility Location Board will pick winners among the final four proposals.
Wednesday marked the first day of deliberations, with a decision expected by Dec. 1. The board will hold the discussions behind closed doors, with no further public testimony. The state Gaming Commission will ratify the finalized decision.
The board will consider a variety of factors, with revenue and economic development being the most vital. Each member is experienced in various areas, including banking, economic growth, and housing.
Three licenses are available. Board chair Vicki Been explained the process to Spectrum News:
We can award up to three licenses. We don’t have to award any if we don’t think the applications bring sufficient revenue or are sufficiently well-developed.
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The Final Four Proposals
Recent rejection of the Times Square proposal and the Freedom Plaza proposal within the last month left Manhattan a casino-free borough. Brooklyn is also out of contention as the Coney Island proposal was the most recent rejection. The remaining four bids are located in Queens, the Bronx, and Yonkers (north of the Bronx).
Resorts World NYC
Location: Jamaica neighborhood in Queens, not far away rom JFK Airport.
Behind the proposal: The Genting Group, which is a Malaysia-based hospitality and gaming company.
The Resorts World NYC proposal plans a big expansion of the current racetrack property to a full casino. Considering the poker currently offered at The Genting Group’s Resorts World Las Vegas, this bid is likely the most friendly to potential poker in NYC.
Metropolitan Park
Location: Willets Point, Queens near the New York Mets’ Citi Field.
Behind the proposal: Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International
This proposal is a large casino, hotel, and theater combination which looks to include restaurants and retail as well. It will also have new parkland open space for visitors to explore. Being next to Citi Field puts this proposal in the most attractive and popular location out of the four. Hard Rock also has a strong relationship with poker, especially in its Florida properties. However, the upcoming Hard Rock Tejon notably eschewed any poker offering.
MGM Empire City
Location: Yonkers
Behind the proposal: MGM Resorts
An expansion of the existing Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway. It proposes to add theaters, new restaurants, and more gambling space. BetMGM is the current market leader for U.S. online poker, but New York has yet to legalize the game despite some legislative efforts.
Bally’s New York
Location: Throggs Neck, The Bronx
Behind the Proposal: Bally’s Corporation
Bally’s operates 19 casinos in the U.S. already. This proposal puts a casino complex on the Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. Donald Trump’s company owned the course at one point. That means if the Gaming Commission grants this proposal a casino license, the Trump Organization will get $115 million.
