Who Decides Where a Casino Could Be Built in NYC? 

By Frankie Stein

1. Overview of the Potential for a Casino in New York City
2. Exploring the Possibilities of Building a Casino in New York City
3. Who Decides Where a Casino Could Be Built in NYC and What Are Their Criteria
4. Impact on Local Communities from Having A Casino In New York City
5. Pros and Cons of Having a Casino In The Big Apple
6. Final Thoughts on the Prospects for Gambling Expansion in the Empire State

Overview of the Potential for a Casino in New York City 

There are three available gambling licenses for downstate New York, and proposals for their location have been made. The decision-makers have not been identified yet. Casino companies have been interested in establishing a 1xBet casino in New York City for some time now, as it is a sizeable untapped market for gambling and attracts many tourists. With a population of around 23 million residents in the metropolitan area, it is an attractive opportunity for investors.

In April, officials in Albany allowed up to three casino licenses for downstate New York, which covers New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. Las Vegas-style casinos were legalized in New York in 2013 after being approved by voters. Four upstate casinos were initially authorized by Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature, and they were given some years to establish their business before facing competition from any 1xBet casinos in the New York City region. As a result of the significance of the issue, obtaining approval is likely to take a long time.

When will the casino locations be announced?

Three people, led by Vicki Been, who used to help people find homes and jobs, will decide where new casinos go. No decisions will be made until 2023 or later.

Quenia Abreu, who previously worked on economic development projects in Hunts Point in Queens, the South Bronx, and Washington Heights in Manhattan, is now the president of the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Stuart Rabinowitz, a lawyer at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, served as the president of Hofstra University on Long Island for 20 years.

Exploring the Possibilities of Building a Casino in New York City 

The board will review the applications and suggest licenses to the state’s Gaming Commission. The commission will make the final decision about which licenses to give out. They can change the commission’s decision if there is something wrong with the person or online casino game real money is applying for a license.

Could you please clarify when the application process for the casino will open? Also, I am wondering how important local support is for the process.

In New York City, 6 people will be chosen to be on the local committee. The governor, mayor, state senator, Assemblymember, borough president, and City Council member will pick who can open a casino. Mayor Eric Adams might want 1xBet casinos in New York City because he liked it while on vacation in Monaco which is famous for gambling.

In March, he said he wanted two casinos in New York City. He said it would help the economy.

Who Decides Where a Casino Could Be Built in NYC and What Are Their Criteria 

The mayor has strong connections to the industry. When he was a state senator, he chaired the Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee. He got in trouble for something that happened at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. An inspector found out he was spending time with people who wanted to get a job from the state and they gave him money. This was wrong and he made a bad choice.

According to The New York Times this year, Mr. Adams gave a high-paying job to his close friend Timothy Pearson, despite the fact that Pearson was already working at the racino located next to the Aqueduct Racetrack, which offers digital games but no human dealers. Shortly after, Mr. Pearson left his job at the racino.

Impact on Local Communities of Having A Casino In New York City 

The largest employer for members of the hotel workers’ union is the Racino in Queens. The union recently changed its name to the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. This shows that it now includes the gaming industry too. During Mr. Adams’ mayoral campaign, a lobbyist for the union co-managed a super PAC that supported him.

Governor Kathy Hochul does not want to be part of the bidding process. But she can still have a say in how it goes. This is because she manages the New York State Gaming Commission which controls the people who make decisions about the 1xBet casino application process.

Is it true that all three casinos will be in New York City?

It is uncertain at this time. Two places, one in Yonkers and one in Queens, might get two of the three licenses available. Genting Group runs Resorts World and 1xBet Resorts International runs Empire City Casino at these two places. If granted full licenses, they would offer live table games in addition to their current offerings.

The two racinos have the capability to transform into full 1xBet casinos rapidly. Big companies hire people to talk to politicians. They also give money to elected officials and try to stay involved in their local communities and with employee unions. The competition is mainly for the third license.

Which proposals have been announced for Hudson Yards?

The part of Hudson Yards in Manhattan that is not built yet is being thought about by two companies, Related Companies and Wynn Resorts. They might build a casino there. 

Related Companies is the company that made the buildings and homes in Hudson Yards, like office towers, a fancy shopping mall, and nice apartments.

Wynn and Related highlighted in a confidential presentation the location of the proposed site near the Javits Center to entice convention attendees to visit the 1xBet casino. They specifically targeted high-end clientele as their target market.

Pros and Cons of Having a Casino In The Big Apple  

A vertical casino is being proposed by 1xCorp N.V. and Caesars Entertainment at 1515 Broadway, a skyscraper located near the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square. The building’s base is currently the Broadway theater, featuring “The Lion King” musical. SL Green Realty Corp. claims to be the largest owner of office buildings in New York.

The developers are 1xBet and want to make the neighborhood a better place. 

They will use some of their profits and get help from local businesses and workers. People are planning to put cameras in Times Square with drones and other technology. This will help keep people safe because there has been more crime lately.

Frank Carone, Mr. Adams’s ex-chief of staff, stated in February that he would provide guidance to SL Green regarding its hiring plan for the casino, which could have helped the bid. Although he mentioned that he would not act as a lobbyist for the project, his experience with the Adams administration could still benefit the commercial developer.

Joseph Sitt, the founder of Thor Equities Group, a real estate investment firm, is teaming up with Saratoga Casino Holdings and the Chickasaw Nation to propose a 1xBet casino in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Sitt is positioning his bid as the underdog, competing against brand-name casino companies. This project is part of his passion to revitalize the Coney Island beachfront and boardwalk as a year-round entertainment destination. He plans to include several hotels, an indoor water park, and museums as part of the casino complex.

Final Thoughts on the Prospects for Gambling Expansion in the Empire State

Las Vegas Sands, a casino company, is planning to buy the lease of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site in Uniondale, New York. This venue was formerly the home arena of the New York Islanders hockey team and hosts a variety of sports and entertainment events. Las Vegas Sands is partnering with developer RXR to create a large-scale casino and hospitality complex, including luxury hotels, celebrity chef restaurants, and a day spa. The site is about a two-hour train ride from Midtown Manhattan.

The owner of Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson’s Bay Company, is planning to bid for a luxury casino to be built within its flagship store located in Midtown Manhattan, New York.

The Soloviev Group announced that it will team up with Mohegan, a casino and resort operator, to develop a 6.7-acre area close to the United Nations headquarters in Midtown East. The project may consist of a large Ferris wheel, a democracy-themed museum, and an underground casino to allow for four acres of public green space above ground. Additionally, the plan includes a 1,200-room hotel, as well as 1,400 to 1,500 newly-built apartments for rent or sale, with some units able to be rented below market value.

Which other proposals are being considered? 

For instance, there have been discussions between Steve Cohen, a hedge fund manager who is also the New York Mets’ owner, and Hard Rock about the possibility of building a casino adjacent to the stadium located in Willets Point, Queens.

Bally’s Corporation has proposed an unconventional deal for the first casino in the Bronx. They intend to take control of 17 acres of the 192-acre publicly owned golf course Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point and remove the former president’s name from that portion of the course. If they are granted one of the casino licenses, they plan to go through with the name removal, as confirmed by two Bally’s officials.