Yonkers Casino Proposal Advances Amid Manhattan Rejections

Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the importance of community sentiment in the decision-making process. “There is strong interest from communities that support having a casino due to the jobs and benefits it brings,” she stated. Hochul affirmed that community voices must be central in discussions about neighborhood developments.

Next, the application will go to a state board responsible for reviewing casino bids. The board will select up to three projects from a pool of about five applicants, with a decision expected by December 1.

First of Two Queens Casino Proposals Expected to Pass

Similarly, the proposal for Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct in Queens is anticipated to encounter minimal opposition and pass the community advisory vote. It is one of two proposed casinos in “The World’s Borough.”

This project aims to create the largest casino in the U.S., featuring 6,000 slot machines, 800 tables, a 1,600-room hotel, a 7,000-seat arena, and substantial meeting and dining spaces.

Genting highlights its 15-year presence in the community and aims for a mid-2026 casino opening after a six-month conversion period. The plans also include significant community investments, such as funding for housing units and local projects.

This casino, like its Yonkers counterpart, benefits from a more harmonious relationship with local communities compared to the rejected Manhattan projects. Both casinos are expected to be the first applicants to emerge successfully from the CAC reviews, possibly with unanimous community support.

The other proposal in Queens is the Metropolitan Park project, led by Mets owner Steve Cohen in partnership with Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment.

This $8 billion plan involves building a casino and entertainment complex on the Citi Field parking lot in Queens. It includes a Hard Rock-branded hotel, live music venues, a convention center, parking garages, extensive parkland, and a food hall. The proposal focuses on boosting Queens as a tourist destination and keeping visitors near the borough’s airports.

Metropolitan Park has gained support from local officials and community boards despite some opposition from neighborhood groups.

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) vote for the Metropolitan Park casino bid in Queens, New York, is scheduled to occur by September 30, 2025.

Conversely, the Coney Island bid is unlikely to succeed due to significant opposition, which is what helped to seal the fate of three Manhattan casino proposals, all of which were rejected by their respective community panels with identical 4-2 votes.

Upcoming New York Downstate Licensing Deadlines

Several critical upcoming deadlines govern the journey for obtaining a downstate casino license.

The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board, which holds the authority to approve up to three new casino license locations in New York City, is scheduled to make its decision by December 1, 2025. As candidates like MGM Empire City continue to impress with strong existing operations and community support, the stakes are high for securing one of the coveted licenses.

As the process unfolds, the progress of Yonkers and Queens showcases a collaborative approach with local communities, standing in stark contrast to the ill-fated Manhattan proposals. The final selections by the state board could reshape the gaming and entertainment landscape of New York City for years to come.