The deadline for casinos to apply for one of three commercial licenses in New York’s downstate could be June 27, 2025.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board made the unanimous decision. It oversees the commercial casino licensing processes for the downstate New York area.
The bill S9673A by Senator Joseph Addabbo that passed the US Senate and House earlier in the month specifies a deadline of August 31, 2024.
In a Thursday meeting, the Gaming Facility Location Board said that the July 31 deadline was too short and not in line with the law.
The August 2024 deadline, according to Stuart Rabinowitz of the Board is “too soon” as it would put potential applicants under pressure. It also favors some while disfavoring others.
The June 2025 deadline is considered far enough away for applicants to prepare, but also early enough for board members to consider all applications thoroughly before the December 31st, 2025 deadline.
After being passed by the Legislature, S9673A still awaits the Governor Kathy Hochul‘s signature. If signed, August will continue to be the deadline.
The newly appointed Gaming Facility Location Board chair Vicki been said that the board didn’t have to wait until Hochul to vote on their own deadline. She added that she hoped that her reasoning would convince the governor.
New York asked operators to submit bids for three possible licences to construct a brick and mortar casino in New York City, or the surrounding area.
The process is ongoing for many years.
Operators such as Bally’s Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment MGM Resorts Hard Rock Las Vegas Sands Mohegan and Hard Rock have filed 11 casino proposals, which span the entire downstate area.
Addabbo’s bill stipulates that licences must be granted by March 31, 2026. The state could earn up to $3bn in licence fees from the new casinos.
