The race for one of New York State’s three downstate casino licenses has intensified, with proposals ranging from resort-style expansions to luxury developments in Manhattan. At the center of attention is a bold new plan from Soloviev Group, offering not just a casino—but a slice of ownership for everyday New Yorkers.
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The proposal, branded Freedom Plaza, would be located on Soloviev’s own 6.7-acre property near the United Nations in Midtown East Manhattan. The plan includes a casino resort operated by Mohegan Gaming, along with public green space, a museum, and cultural facilities. But its most disruptive element is the promise that residents could become partial owners of the casino through a new investment model—a first for New York gaming.
CEO Stefan Soloviev stated that the project aims to “redistribute opportunity” and directly benefit the community. While details of the ownership mechanism remain under development, the message has been clear: this is a people’s casino, not just another corporate megaproject.
Still, the Manhattan location presents a major challenge. Political and community resistance to new gambling venues in the borough remains strong, and other contenders are playing it safer.
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MGM Resorts and Genting Group are bidding to upgrade their existing facilities—Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Resorts World NYC at Aqueduct, respectively—into full-scale casinos. Both benefit from operating racinos with large customer bases and existing infrastructure, and face far less opposition.
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts, in partnership with Related Companies, has proposed a casino at Hudson Yards. Though the site boasts prime real estate and luxury appeal, it too is subject to the same community pushback that has dogged Manhattan-based bids.
Industry analysts note that while Soloviev’s ownership-sharing model is unique and potentially appealing to regulators seeking public support, it also adds legal and logistical complexity. With New York’s final decision expected later this year, the contest is shaping up as a test of public innovation versus political feasibility—and whether grassroots participation can overcome the entrenched advantages of established gaming operators.
