Two downstate New York casino bids unanimously advanced through community advisory committees on Thursday after three Manhattan projects got rejected last week.
Resorts World and MGM Empire City each await a decision from the state on a potential license, which is expected before the end of the year.
The Soloviev Group, Silverstein Properties, and SL Green and Caesars Entertainment failed to gain the necessary support from their respective committees in Manhattan.
The state is awarding up to three downstate casino licenses. There are five remaining proposals.
The frontrunners
Resorts World and MGM Empire City remain the frontrunners to obtain licenses. Both proposals received unanimous green lights from their community advisory committees this week.
Resorts World’s bid calls for a $5.5 billion gaming expansion that would make its property the largest casino in the country. The casino would have 6,000 slots and 800 table games. Its plan also includes other amenities such as a hotel, arena, and restaurants.
The NY Times reported that Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, chairwoman of the committee that approved Resorts World’s bid, believes the expansion would have a positive economic impact for generations.
MGM Empire City would be a $2.3 billion full-scale resort with similar amenities.
Frank Jereis, a representative on MGM’s committee and executive director of the Yonkers Democratic Party, echoed Amato’s statement to the NY Times.
“It will undoubtedly be a successful project and casino for years to come, not only for Yonkers, but for the entire region.”
MGM Empire City could produce more than $1 billion in new economic activity.
Which NY casino bids are left?
Three Manhattan casino proposals bit the dust, and two others are moving on. Here are the proposals that are still alive:
- Steve Cohen-Hard Rock International (Citi Field, Queens)
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point (Bronx)
- The Coney (Coney Island, Brooklyn)
Cohen’s Metropolitan Park casino plan has gained traction this year. A bill to bring a casino next to Citi Field in Queens passed onto Gov. Kathy Hochel’s desk in May.
Bally’s and The Coney have not received as much support and are looked at as longshots in the bidding process.
