Wynn Resorts said on 19 May that it would not apply for a gaming licence in New York City, withdrawing from the competition for one of three downstate licences. The company cited the rezoning process, shareholder returns and local opposition; the state Gaming Commission was expected to decide on licences by the end of 2025.
Wynn’s withdrawal reduces the field of applicants for three downstate New York casino licences.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
The day’s most important stories, free. One email a day.
New York state is expected to issue final approvals for downstate casino bids by the end of 2025, before mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani takes office on 1 January 2026. Mamdani has said he is generally opposed to the casino plan, but acknowledged that the state controls the licensing process; city officials appoint one member to each bid’s six-member Community Advisory Committee.
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 gambling regulators set 27 June 2025 as the deadline for applications for three downstate casino licences, with eight contenders remaining, according to the report. Successful applicants are expected to be announced by year-end and must commit at least $1 billion, including a $500 million licence fee and a minimum $500 million investment.
New York’s Gaming Commission unanimously approved Terryl Brown’s appointment to the Gaming Facility Location Board this week, following Carlos Naudon’s resignation on 20 February. Brown joins the five-member board responsible for allocating three downstate casino licences; a decision is expected before 1 December 2025.
Nevada’s Gaming Commission is due to review race book and sports pool licence applications at its 23 July 2026 meeting in Carson City. The agenda includes applications involving Caesars Sportsbook at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Boomer’s Sports Book at Baldini’s Sports Casino and Longstreet Inn & Casino; the Gaming Control Board has recommended approval for most cases, often subject to conditions.