8 Proposals Compete for NYC Casino Licenses: Jobs, Contracts, and Community Impact on the Line

With eight powerhouse proposals and only three licenses available, New York’s downstate casino race is less about gaming and more about governance. The state’s licensing process has become a proving ground for how private development can align with public purpose—especially when it comes to workforce investment, small business engagement, and long-term community impact.

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board (NYSGFLB) confirmed it received eight formal applications by the June 28 deadline. Each project is backed by a multi-billion-dollar vision and a mandate to prove economic value not only for the state—but for the neighborhoods that host them.

$500M to Play, Equity to Win

Every application requires a $500 million license fee and at least an equal capital investment. Yet financial capital alone won’t win: each bidder must show how they’ll deliver real gains in job creation, MWBE utilization, community benefit agreements, and public trust. It’s a comprehensive test of inclusive development.

The Eight Bids at a Glance

• The Avenir (Manhattan) – A $7B mixed-use district weaving in art, hospitality, and local hiring.
• Freedom Plaza (Manhattan) – Prioritizes union labor, affordable housing, and open green space.
• Caesars Palace Times Square (Manhattan) – Leverages its iconic location to boost tourism and talent pipelines.
• The Coney (Brooklyn) – Community-driven activation rooted in neighborhood need and economic potential.
• Metropolitan Park (Queens) – Backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen; touts park space, job growth, and year-round entertainment.
• Resorts World NYC (Queens) – Builds on a 15-year legacy of job creation and procurement partnerships.
• MGM Empire City (Yonkers) – Seeks full casino status to expand workforce and regional economic influence.
• Bally’s New York Casino (The Bronx) – A strategic addition aiming to uplift a historically underinvested borough.

What Comes Next: A Civic Crucible

Each proposal now enters the review of a Community Advisory Committee (CAC)—a hyperlocal governing panel with real authority. These committees evaluate public engagement, gather commentary, and vote on whether a proposal earns two-thirds support. Without that threshold, a bid is dead on arrival.

A Rare Chance for Small Businesses and Local Talent

For MWBEs, tradespeople, workforce boards, and civic coalitions, this is not just a spectator sport. Developers will be required to report on subcontracting diversity, workforce pipelines, and stakeholder engagement plans. That means early alignment, strategic partnerships, and visible advocacy can directly shape who benefits.

Prospal Evaluation Timeline

The approval timeline for New York’s downstate casino proposals is tightly structured, with key milestones that prioritize community input and regulatory review. Here’s how it breaks down:

• June 27, 2025: Final application deadline. All eight proposals were submitted by this date.
• Immediately after: Community Advisory Committees (CACs) are formed for each proposal. These committees begin holding public meetings, reviewing comments, and assessing local support.
• September 30, 2025: CACs must vote on each proposal. A two-thirds majority is required for a project to advance.
• Post-CAC approval: Successful applicants submit supplemental materials, including proposed tax rates, to the Gaming Facility Location Board.
• December 1, 2025: The Board announces its final selections.
• December 31, 2025: The New York State Gaming Commission formally awards up to three licenses and collects the $500 million license fee from each winner.

This timeline ensures that community voices are central to the process and that all zoning, environmental, and entitlement reviews are completed before final decisions are made. If you’d like, I can help map out how local businesses and workforce partners can align with this timeline to maximize visibility and readiness.

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