Queens and Yonkers casino expansion plans advance after committee approval
Community Advisory Committees in New York have voted in favour of expansion plans for Resorts World and MGM Empire City, moving both proposals closer to securing commercial casino licences.
Key points:
– Resorts World New York City expansion plan approved unanimously in Queens
– Yonkers committee votes 5-0 in favour of MGM Empire City’s proposal
– Both bids progress as part of New York’s three downstate casino licences process
Community Advisory Committees in Queens and Yonkers have approved two casino expansion proposals, moving the projects closer to securing one of three commercial licences expected to be awarded by the New York State Gaming Commission later this year.
The Queens Community Advisory Committee voted unanimously in favour of Resorts World New York City’s $5.5bn expansion plan. The project includes thousands of additional slot machines, new hotel rooms, hundreds of gaming tables and several green spaces.
In Yonkers, a separate committee voted 5-0 to back MGM Empire City’s proposal, which outlines a sportsbook, a high-limit lounge and a full renovation of the existing gaming floor. Both casinos currently operate under limited licences that do not permit live dealer games.
Good to know: MGM and Resorts World already run casino-style venues in New York, placing their proposals as potential frontrunners in the licensing race
The approval marks progress in the state’s downstate casino licensing process. Earlier this month, proposals in Manhattan, including Mohegan’s Freedom Plaza, Caesars’ Times Square and Wynn Resorts’ Hudson Yards bids, were rejected following advisory committee votes.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr expressed support for Resorts World’s plan, stating: “It’s a win for the residents here. This is going to be a destination. It’s already a destination… but now you’re talking about an international destination.”
The two projects will now be considered by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board before moving to final approval by the State Gaming Commission.
Additional proposals in the Bronx, Coney Island and another Queens site are scheduled to face committee votes in the coming week.
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