NY casino bidding process: “How will they find three locations that nobody objects to?”

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It has been more than two-years since the battle over three casino licenses in New York City’s area began. And it appears that it will continue for another 18 to 24 months.

There have been multi-billion dollar plans announced near Citi Field, owned by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen; Hudson Yards, near the Jacob Javits Convention Center, a Caesars project for Times Square, another one near the United Nations, and still others near The Bronx or Coney Island on Long Island.

By the time a panel discussion concluded at The Racing and Gaming Conference in Saratoga Springs (New York) this week, a mundane outcome was apparent — and that would not be until 2025 at the latest.

It would simply be a matter of upgrading Yonkers Raceway, in Westchester County, and Aqueduct Raceway, in Queens County from horse race track/slots arcades to full-fledged casino.

This would mean a big win for MGM, Genting and the other racino owners. The state could also earn $1 billion from licensing fees.

It would disappoint a casual visitor who wondered where a casino might be in The Big Apple, specifically Manhattan. The conference’s moderator, Patrick Brown, and five of his speakers explained how and why this much-ballyhooed bid war could collapse.

(Puffs up) Community

The fact that any applicant must gain the approval of two-thirds members of a “Community Advisory Committee” before a five-member board appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul can consider their application is a key factor.

In the US it has been a long-standing tradition that a well-established gambling venue, such as a horse racetrack, does not encounter significant opposition from public opinion to expand gambling. Many elected officials see introducing a new casino, especially one that is a multibillion-dollar behemoth, as political suicide.

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