Downstate casino licensing has dragged on for over two years now. But the New York State Gaming Commission is ready to follow the direction of Gov. Kathy Hochul if she elects to approve legislation that would help expedite the process.
During Monday’s meeting of the NYSGC, Executive Director Robert Williams went over the legislation passed by the Senate and Assembly earlier this month and acknowledged that state officials will be facing some set deadlines to help move the process along.
“The governor will consider the legislation when it’s presented to her and make a determination,” Williams said, “and obviously we will follow whatever process the governor directs that the law should reflect.”
Details of bill that could expedite downstate licensing process
Two weeks ago, just before the 2024 legislative session came to a close, lawmakers agreed on legislation that would implement set timelines for each step of the downstate licensing process.
Williams highlighted several details of the bill, which awaits Hochul’s signature:
- Deadline for official applications: Aug. 31, 2024
- Community Advisory Committee (CAC) consultants hired: Aug. 31, 2024
- Establish CACs: Oct. 30, 2024
- CACs vote on whether to recommend casino bids: Feb. 27, 2025
- Gaming Facility Location Board to vote on recommendations: Dec. 31, 2025
Williams noted that the Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) could take as long as March 31, 2026, to vote on license recipients “upon good cause.”
GFLB will meet Thursday regarding RFA
The NYSGC also hinted that the GFLB will meet Thursday and has several items on the agenda that could impact the downstate licensing process.
According to Williams, the GFLB will update and formalize the request for applications (RFA) deadline. In addition, they will discuss an amendment of the RFA that would eliminate the “round two trigger.”
Some 10 months have passed since state officials released answers to the first round of questions from prospective casino bidders. We have awaited the second and final round of responses since then, which has created frustration from stakeholders regarding the drawn-out timeline.
However, a stipulation in the RFA process indicated that once that second set of answers comes out, an official application date will go into effect. Officials have delayed releasing those responses to as to avoid setting that deadline.
New York heads into summer with plenty on its plate
This is just the latest example of the summer heating up for state officials despite the 2024 legislative session ending earlier this month.
Hochul could call for a special session to come up with alternative funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Those potential discussions could include legalizing online casinos in New York. Despite falling short of passage, the latest bill from Sen. Joseph Addabbo could find new life in the special session.
However, while Hochul has supported legal gambling expansion, she could remain focused solely on the downstate casinos. After all, by supporting iGaming, Hochul could spurn the powerful New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, which opposes online gambling legalization.
