Three NY Casino Proposals Still in the Running After MGM Withdraws Its Bid
New York’s long-awaited casino expansion is finally entering its home stretch. The state is getting ready to award up to three downstate casino licenses and developers are now in the final round of the process.
Initial proposals were submitted by June 27, with September 30 as the deadline to get approval from local Community Advisory Committees. Those who cleared those hurdles have now advanced to the final evaluation phase. Developers have submitted their final application materials, including proposed tax rates, to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board for final evaluation.
Who’s Still in the Running
What started as eight contenders is now down to three: Resorts World New York City in Jamaica, Queens, Bally’s in the Bronx and Metropolitan Park in Willets Point, Queens.
Among those that didn’t make the cut was Manhattan’s three high-profile bids and The Coney. All were rejected due to a lack of community support.
On Tuesday, MGM’s Empire City in Yonkers withdrew its application after shifts in competition and the state’s decision to offer a 15-year license instead of the 30-year term they had planned for.
Licenses are expected to be awarded by December 1, 2025, with some converted sites possibly opening as early as 2026. New construction could roll out through 2027, depending on approvals and build timelines.
Why It Matters to NJ
For New Jersey, especially Atlantic City, what happens across the Hudson is a big deal. New York’s new casino plans are designed to pull in players who might otherwise spend their money in NJ, with many of the proposals highlighting how easy it is for Garden State residents to get there.
Atlantic City’s casinos have already weathered years of competition from neighboring states. The addition of three high-profile casinos within a short drive of New Jersey could accelerate that trend.
The state’s response so far has been mixed. Some leaders, like Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), are pushing to rethink where gaming happens in New Jersey, attempting to give North Jersey residents casino options closer to home. He’s backing a constitutional amendment (SCR130) that would explore opening casinos at racetracks like the Meadowlands or Monmouth Park, though that measure has yet to advance beyond committee. Casino interests in Atlantic City, as well as those with operations in Pennsylvania and potentially in New York State, oppose this proposal.
Where TZG Comes In
As New York moves closer to final casino approvals, conversations in Trenton are picking up again. With proposals like SCR130 pending, New Jersey’s own gaming landscape could be on the verge of change.
At The Zita Group (TZG), we help clients navigate what comes next, whether that’s preparing for potential legislative shifts, engaging local communities or shaping public opinion around casino expansion and economic development. We help clients:
- Advocate on legislation like SCR130.
- Build public awareness ahead of possible referendums.
- Engage local governments and community groups impacted by future development.
- Craft strategic messaging that resonates with both lawmakers and voters.
- Coalition building among aligned industries, organizations and constituencies.
Want to better understand the implications of SCR130? Book a call with our team
About The Zita Group
The Zita Group is a woman-owned government and public affairs firm, both founded and led by Patrizia “Trish” Zita. Our bipartisan, experienced team of strategic consultants is widely respected by elected, appointed and government officials of both parties across New Jersey’s political landscape. We provide our clients unique insights into the decision-making process at the highest levels. We bring to bear credible working relationships with executive branch officials, legislators, and staff. Our team’s effectiveness has been demonstrated again and again by the results we achieve for our clients.
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