With one week until the expected announcement of the local site selection committee for suitors of three downstate New York casinos, one prominent real estate company has teamed up in advance with a major casino provider.
Ten months since mobile New York sports betting hit the state with a hugely successful launch, the site selection committee is expected to be named by Oct. 4 by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC).
New York-based Related Companies and Wynn Resorts quietly announced on Sept. 15 a partnership to pursue a downstate casino license on the Western Yards at Hudson Yards, directly next to the Javits Center.
More About Proposed Casino Site
The Javits Center recently completed a $1.5 billion expansion and is one of the busiest convention centers in the nation, hosting trade shows and special events.
Hudson Yards is within walking distance to all of the region's major public transportation, including the 7-Train line, Penn Station (accessible to the Long Island Rail Road, A/C/E, 1/2/3 train lines), Moynihan Train Hall and the Hudson River Ferry.
“Wynn Resorts has a long history of utilizing a compact, upscale casino floor to support the creation of spectacular resort experiences that appeal to an array of guests - travelers and locals alike," said Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, in a news announcement. “We look forward to engaging with the community, learning and understanding what we can do to help New York City to continue to thrive.”
According to the announcement, a resort/entertainment/gaming facility along the Hudson River should mean many permanent and construction jobs. Related Companies also predicted it would mean billions in direct and indirect tax revenue to both city and state.
“As New York City emerges from the pandemic, the Western Yards provides the ideal site for a resort that will reinvigorate our tourism economy and provide billions in tax revenues for the city and state,” said Jeff T. Blau, CEO of Related Companies. “Combining Related’s unparalleled ability to execute complex mixed-use developments with the best-in-class resort and gaming operator is the perfect pair and we're excited to pursue this together.”
No iGaming, but Downstate Casinos Expected Next
There are no New York online casinos yet. Bordering states Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut do have mobile casinos, as do West Virginia, Michigan and Delaware.
Those states offer online gaming with slots and table games such as roulette and blackjack.
They also offer online poker, as does Nevada.
There are upstate casinos in New York, which have retail sports betting. Those casinos are: Rivers Casino in Schenectady, Del Lago in Waterloo, Resorts World Catskills in Monticello and Tioga Downs in Nichols.
The New York State budget passed earlier this year by the legislature provided for three downstate gaming licenses.
“I’m optimistic the Gaming Commission will meet that deadline of Oct. 4, as well as other statutory deadlines regarding the downstate license process,” said Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D) in a text to EmpireStakes.com.
By state law, the majority of the members of the Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) must be appointed by Oct. 4.Once those members are appointed, the GFLB has 90 days to issue a Request for Applications (first week of January 2023), which will start the formal bidding process.
The RFA will include appropriate deadlines for the process, including questions, submissions, amendments, etc.
Stay tuned to EmpireStakes.com for developments on downstate casinos, as well as for the best NY betting promos.
