York is to issue four licenses to selected casino projects this week.

Caesars Entertainment Corp, Penn National Gaming, Genting, Churchill Downs and Full House Resorts are among the 16 companies vying for a licence, with the chosen few announced by New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board in Albany on Wednesday.

New York voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing the legalisation of casinos in the state last year, voting for four casinos to be constructed across three state regions.

A total of more than $11m has been spent on campaigns by the companies lobbying for the licenses, with state governor Andrew Cuomo has stated that he has not formed a part of the decision making process.

He told reporters: “We set up the process that has a separate board making the decision. They should just do their job and go through the law and pick the best operators."

Official licensing will be granted by the state’s Gaming Commission, with the four successful licensees subject to background checks and environmental reviews.