A pivotal moment is arriving for New York’s ambitious casino expansion, potentially concluding a years-long quest for licenses. After countless proposals and rigorous vetting, the state Gaming Commission is poised to make a decision that will reshape the landscape of entertainment and revenue within the city.
Today, December 15th, at 1:00 PM, the Commission will convene to consider the fate of three remaining contenders: Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park at Willets Point, and Resorts World New York City. This meeting represents the culmination of a complex process, nearing a deadline of December 31st, and promises to deliver clarity after a period of intense speculation.
While up to three licenses are available, the Commission isn’t obligated to award them all. This adds an element of suspense, as each applicant faces an uncertain future dependent on meeting the state’s exacting standards for integrity and financial stability.
Commissioners have emphasized the gravity of a New York gaming license, stating it’s a “privilege” earned through adherence to “rigorous standards.” Extensive background checks and evaluations have been conducted to ensure any selected casino operates with the “utmost integrity and fiscal responsibility.”
The proposals themselves are monumental in scale. Resorts World envisions a $5.5 billion, 5.6 million-square-foot complex in Queens, while Bally’s Bronx proposes a $4 billion, 3 million-square-foot facility. Perhaps the most ambitious is Metropolitan Park, a collaboration between Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, aiming for an $8 billion casino and expansive open space near Citi Field.
The path to this point wasn’t easy, with numerous applications falling by the wayside. MGM Empire City, Caesars Palace Times Square, Freedom Plaza, The Avenir, and The Coney all failed to advance, underscoring the high bar set for potential licensees – a minimum of $1 billion in planned investment was required just to be considered.
An official announcement regarding the Commission’s decision is expected immediately following today’s meeting, finally revealing which, if any, of these ambitious projects will move forward and redefine New York’s gaming future.
