New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board received eight applications for three downstate casino concessions by its 27 June deadline. The five-member board was one member short as it began considering the bids; chair Vicki L. Been said she had never visited a casino and did not want to spend time in one.
The board’s review will determine which applicants can pursue three downstate casino concessions.
The day’s most important stories, free. One email a day.
Eight developers are seeking three downstate New York casino licences, with several bids drawing support from public figures. Jay-Z and Rev. Al Sharpton back Caesars Palace Times Square, while Nas supports Resorts World New York City in Queens; the developers have until 30 September to secure required entitlements and zoning approvals, and the location board is scheduled to select three winners by 1 December.
New York’s application deadline for three downstate commercial casino licences closed on 27 June, with eight developers still competing, reportedly. MGM Resorts said it filed a $2.3bn proposal on 26 June to convert Empire City Casino into a full casino resort; it plans to finish the project by mid-2029 if awarded a licence. Community Advisory Committees will begin statutory reviews after the deadline.
Maybank Investment Bank analyst Samuel Yin said all three remaining bidders for downstate New York casino licences were virtually assured of approval, with Genting Malaysia’s Resorts World New York City proposal the strongest. Genting Malaysia has said it could open a permanent casino in June 2026 if awarded a licence; the analyst also advised shareholders to reject Genting Bhd’s MYR2.35-per-share takeover offer.
Michigan’s Gaming Control Board issued cease-and-desist orders to eight online operators accused of offering unlicensed gambling to state residents. The operators have 14 days to withdraw their services or face legal action, the regulator said; it has sent orders to more than 150 illegal gambling sites this year.
Michigan’s Gaming Control Board ordered eight named online casinos to stop accepting wagers from people in the state, saying they operate without authorisation. The board said it was working with the Michigan Department of Attorney General and warned that repeat offenders could face further legal action.