- Saks Fifth Avenue has withdrawn its bid for a downstate New York gaming license, citing a focus on “other strategic priorities.”
- Saks proposed converting the top three floors of its Midtown Manhattan flagship into a casino, but faced opposition from the local community board and challenges related to the building’s location.
- With Saks exiting, 10 bidders remain for three downstate gaming licenses, with two racinos considered frontrunners, leaving eight contenders for the remaining license.
There’s one fewer seat at the table of bidders for a New York downstate gaming license.
Saks Fifth Avenue has pulled its bid for one of three licenses up for grabs, Crain’s reported. People close to the matter told the outlet there had been little communication from Saks’ parent, Hudson’s Bay Company, with those involved in the casino process in recent months, signaling it was waving the white flag.
“At this time, the company is no longer pursuing a downstate New York gaming license and is focused on other strategic priorities,” said a spokesperson for Saks…