New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she saw no reason to investigate MGM Resorts’ withdrawal from the downstate casino bidding. MGM attributed its decision to changed competitive and economic assumptions, including the proposed licence term being cut from 30 years to 15; The Trump Organization denied influencing the withdrawal.
MGM’s exit leaves fewer bidders competing for New York’s downstate casino concessions.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
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New York’s Community Advisory Committees voted on 29 September to advance Bally’s Bronx casino application by 5–1 and reject The Coney’s Brooklyn proposal by 4–2. Bally’s offered to raise its annual Community Benefits Fund commitment to at least $15 million, while the Coney Island vote ended the developers’ hopes of advancing to the licensing process’s final stage, according to a media report.
A New York community advisory committee rejected Thor Equities’ Coney Island casino proposal by a 2-4 vote, preventing it from advancing to state consideration. The committee had approved the bidder’s amendments by 5-1 shortly before voting down the overall project.
MGM Empire City received unanimous 5–0 approval from its community advisory committee in New York, advancing to review by the Gaming Facility Location Board. The board must recommend awards by 1 December, and the state gaming commission is due to issue up to three commercial casino licences by 31 December.
Caesars Entertainment, SL Green Realty and Roc Nation revealed interior renderings for their proposed Times Square casino in New York. The developers put the project cost at $5.4 billion and forecast more than $7 billion in tax revenue over its first decade if approved; the proposal remains among eight bids for downstate casino licences.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation allowing the Bronx site to be used for commercial purposes, advancing Bally’s casino proposal. The company still needs zoning, environmental and community advisory approvals; casino licence applications are due on 27 June, with decisions expected by year-end.