The New York State Gaming Commission may be granting three casino licenses by the end of 2025, but who will come out on top, as the race has now come down to the final three? Gambling giant MGM Resorts International abruptly withdrew its $2.3 billion bid for an Empire City Casino expansion in Yonkers due to “newly issued guidance” shortening the expected license term from 30 years to 15 years. This leaves Resorts World New York City, Metropolitan Park, and Bally’s Bronx as the final three proposals under consideration for one of the state’s highly coveted downstate casino licenses.
Inside the Battle for NYC’s Casino Licenses
As it stands, the contenders are competing for three available licenses, and final selections are likely to be finalized by December 31, 2025. With the process nearing its end, tensions are starting to rise, and the price of entry is steep. Each applicant has to pay a $500 million license fee to New York State and commit to a minimum $500 million capital investment. The license holders were also required to complete land entitlement and environmental reviews before September 30, 2025.
Many New Yorkers are watching the casino race with keen interest, not just for the new resorts themselves, but also for the opportunities they could bring. With the launch of these licenses, residents may soon see a range of promotions and incentives similar to casino bonus codes used in online casinos. According to casino expert Wilna van Wyk, the most important aspects of these incentives are the size of the bonus, as well as the terms and conditions attached.
In the same breath, many residents across the United States have also started being more curious about online poker, as players explore strategies, promotions, and competitive play in other states. This public curiosity is a reflection of just how much attention the race for these licenses has drawn due to the promise of economic gains. The three eventual winners are expected to bring in at least $1.5 billion in upfront license revenue for the state…