The race for one of three downstate casino licenses available in the New York City region began officially on Friday, when eight development teams submitted formal proposals to the state Gaming Facility Location Board as the deadline passed. To be included in the applicant pool, the applicants paid a $1 million non-refundable fee.
Key Takeaways
- Eight companies have submitted $1 million casino bids, vying for one of three New York City casino licenses
- MGM Yonkers plans a $2.3 billion upgrade, including a sportsbook, a concert venue, and eco-friendly features
- Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands previously withdrew from casino competition, citing local opposition and regulatory uncertainty in New York
The bids span the city's breadth, with three for Midtown Manhattan, one for Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and the two existing racinos. New York online casinos are not legal, and the only land-based casinos are in upstate New York.
Queens' Resorts World and Yonkers' Empire City are the favorites at this early stage based on their existing infrastructure.
Before they are considered formally, all the proposals must be approved by a majority vote of a six-member Community Advisory Committee (CAC), including state and local government representatives. The ballots are due September 30. The state will charge $500 million for a license.
Bidders have aggressively courted political and community support over the past year, promising billions in investment, homes, unionized employment, and amenities. While there has been some public opposition in terms of congestion and safety, proposals have gained strong backing.
The Gaming Facility Location Board must decide by December 1, and the licenses will be issued by the end of the year.
MGM Yonkers unveils $2.3 billion casino expansion plan
MGM Yonkers Inc., the MGM Resorts International subsidiary, has officially applied for a commercial casino license to convert its existing Empire City Casino property in Yonkers into a casino and entertainment resort. The $2.3 billion development entails redeveloping the existing property with redesigned gaming floors, a new BetMGM Sportsbook, and a high-limit gaming lounge with premium services.
The project's heart is a 5,000-seat new entertainment center for concerts and community events such as graduation ceremonies. Three new high-end restaurants and renovating existing food and beverage facilities to offer diversified dining options are also part of MGM Yonkers’ plans.
If approved, the project would benefit the economy of Yonkers and the surrounding areas and align with New York's long-term jobs and infrastructure plan. MGM Yonkers would complete its renovation in mid-2029 and become a central entertainment hub of Westchester County and the area.
Wynn and Sands withdraw from competition
Wynn Resorts officially withdrew its bid for a New York casino license in May, citing insurmountable local zoning and long-term resistance complications. The company had partnered with Related Companies on a potential resort development in Manhattan's Hudson Yards, a high-end commercial hub. Despite the lucrative possibilities, Wynn concluded its money would be better spent elsewhere.
This was the second casino giant to withdraw from the New York competition since the beginning of 2025. Las Vegas Sands withdrew in April after seeking a project on Long Island.
The company was concerned about possible future competition from legalized New York online casino games and the volatility of state gaming laws.
