Resorts World New York City and MGM Empire City received unanimous approval from their respective Community Advisory Committees in New York on Thursday, advancing their casino proposals to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board. MGM plans to invest $2.3bn in Empire City, while Resorts World plans a $5.5bn integrated resort; the board is to award three commercial casino licences by year-end.
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New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board began its final assessment of four proposals for three downstate casino licences. Each licence carries a one-time fee of $500m; the board will recommend proposals to the New York State Gaming Commission, which is expected to decide by 1 December.
Local advisory committees unanimously approved casino proposals from Resorts World in Queens and Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York. The bids advance after three Manhattan proposals were rejected; the Gaming Facility Location Board is due to select winning projects in December, followed by a decision from the New York State Gaming Commission.
Community Advisory Committees in Yonkers and Queens voted unanimously to advance casino proposals to New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board, which is due to review bids in December. Resorts World’s Queens expansion is valued at $5.5bn, while MGM Resorts’ Empire City proposal in Yonkers is a $2.3bn redevelopment; the state Gaming Commission will make the final licensing decisions.
New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board received eight applications for up to three casino licences, the New York State Gaming Commission said. Applicants must secure local entitlements and community advisory committee approval by 30 September to remain in consideration; the board plans to select projects by 1 December.
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.