New York Approves Three Downstate Casino Licenses

All three remaining proposals for downstate casino licenses in New York City were approved by the state Gaming Facility Location Board on Monday.

The Approved Bidders

The remaining bidders selected to move forward are:

• Metropolitan Park at Willets Point, Queens: This project aims to transform the long-underdeveloped Willets Point area.
• Resorts World New York City: Located at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, this is an expansion of an existing gaming facility.
• Bally’s Bronx: proposed for throggs Neck in the Bronx, this project represents a new casino advancement.

Queens borough President Donovan Richards Jr. applauded the board’s approval, highlighting the potential benefits for the borough.

What’s Next?

While the approvals are a meaningful step, the process isn’t complete. Each operator now needs to secure all necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.This includes zoning changes, environmental reviews, and community engagement. The timeline for opening these casinos is still uncertain, but it’s expected to take at least a year, if not longer.

Potential Economic Impact

The casinos are projected to generate significant economic benefits for New York City and the state,including:

• Job Creation: Thousands of jobs are expected to be created during construction and operation.
• Tax Revenue: The casinos will contribute substantial tax revenue to state and local governments.
• Tourism: The new casinos are expected to attract tourists and boost the hospitality industry.

FAQ

Q: When will the casinos open?

A: the exact opening dates are still unknown. Operators need to secure all necessary permits, which could take over a year.

Q: Where will the casinos be located?

A: Metropolitan Park will be in Willets Point, Queens; Resorts World is at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens; and Bally’s will be in throggs Neck, Bronx.

Q: What is the expected economic impact?

A: The casinos are projected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant tax revenue for the state and city.

Key Takeaways

• New York State has approved three downstate casino licenses.
• The approved locations are in Queens and the Bronx.
• The casinos are expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region.
• Operators still need to obtain local permits before construction can begin.

Sources:

• CBS News – Citi Field Casino
• CBS News – Metropolitan Park
• CBS News – Resorts World
• CBS News – Bally’s bronx