The race for New York City’s casino future has officially entered its most dramatic phase. With eight formal bids submitted to the New York State Gaming Commission for only three full-scale casino licenses, the contest now shifts from speculation to a political and economic reality set to impact millions of New Yorkers
Times Square Casino Bid Levels the Playing Field w...
At stake: billions in investment, tens of thousands of permanent jobs, reshaping of entire neighborhoods — and a powerful new chapter in the East Coast gaming industry.
The confirmed applicants are:
- MGM Resorts (Empire City, Yonkers)
- Resorts World/Genting (Resorts World NYC, Queens)
- Caesars Entertainment & SL Green (Times Square)
- Wynn Resorts & Related Companies (Hudson Yards)
- Las Vegas Sands (Nassau County, near NYC)
- Hard Rock & Steve Cohen (Citi Field area, Queens)
- Bally’s Corporation (Bronx proposal)
- Thor Equities & partners (Coney Island)
Each proposal offers not just luxury resorts and gaming floors, but visions of urban transformation — including housing, retail, restaurants, entertainment venues and public space revitalization. Yet, these projects come with controversy. Community boards, unions, advocacy groups, and state legislators have raised questions about traffic congestion, social health risks, housing pressure and gambling addiction.
New York City, home to over 8.5 million residents, is already one of the most complex urban ecosystems in the world. Any large-scale development — let alone a casino — must navigate zoning, transit, public opinion, and social equity concerns.
Analysts say the three licenses could unlock over $10 billion in investment and generate upwards of $500 million in annual tax revenue, potentially supporting transit upgrades and public services. But critics warn of “casino deserts,” rising cost of living in gaming zones, and overreliance on vice-taxation.
The final decision will likely come in late 2025 or 2026, after public hearings, environmental reviews and intense lobbying. Until then, the most-watched game in town isn’t on the casino floor — it’s being played in boardrooms, city halls and community centers across NYC.
Who wins, who folds, and what New York becomes as a result — is a story just beginning to unfold.
