A rendering for the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square casino resort – one of several competing for a coveted license. (Image: courtesy of Coalition for a Better Times Square)

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) released a statement Friday saying that applications for the three downstate casino licenses available in the state will be due by June 27, 2025.

That declaration could come in conflict with a bill passed in the waning hours of the New York Legislature’s session earlier this month, one that would require all applications by August 31, 2024.

That bill awaits the signature of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. It’s unclear how the GFLB statement might impact her decision. 

GFLB Wants Time for ‘Level Playing Field’ in Casino Process

Under the timeline as presented by the GFLB, Community Advisory Committees would form for each proposal immediately after the application process ends. The CACs would then vote on their respective projects by September 30, 2025. Those projects that earn CAC approval would then submit additional application materials, including their proposed tax rates, to the GFLB. 

At the end of the process, the GFLB would expect to make its decisions by December 1, 2025, with licenses awarded by the New York State Gaming Commission by December 31.

“This timeline encompasses all legal requirements that potential bidders must meet before we may evaluate applications,” GFLB Chair Vicki Been said. “This roadmap also gives communities ample opportunity to have their voices heard, establishes a level playing field among multiple competitors, and afford serious applicants the opportunity to participate in a lucrative and transformational process.”

The new timeline established by the GFLB sets an earlier end date than the one laid out in Senate Bill S9673, which was introduced by State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Queens). Under Addabbo’s legislation, the GFLB would make its recommendations by Dec. 31, 2025, and the Gaming Commission would award licenses by March 31, 2026.

The clear difference is the accelerated timeline for applications. That timeline would appear to give some applicants a clear advantage, including Resorts World New York City, which is in Addabbo’s district.

Zoning, Environmental Issues Impacting Some Bidders

Resorts World NYC and Empire City in Yonkers are existing gaming facilities that would need only expand to become full resort casinos. On the other hand, several projects in New York City are facing land use questions that won’t be resolved immediately or easily, including Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan Park proposal adjacent to Citi Field, and the proposed casino at Bally Links in the Bronx. 

According to the GFLB statement, these issues are a key reason for extending the application timeline for all bidders.

“The City of New York has amended its zoning code to allow licensed commercial casino gambling as a permitted use by right,” the GFLB said. “However, at least four publicly known potential applicants are not currently able to avail themselves of the zoning change due to specific requirements not covered by the amendment, including mapping changes, grading or revocable consent to construct over streets.”

The statement also notes that all applicants are required to complete the State Environmental Quality Review Act before submitting applications, which can be a lengthy process. However, the GFLB expects all bidders to be able to overcome both the SEQR and zoning issues by June 2025. 

According to the board, complying with environmental and zoning challenges could impact what each proposal ultimately looks like, which could impact its decision.

“Requiring application submission after both processes are substantially complete ensures that the Board, CACs, and the public will be reviewing and considering accurate proposals,” the statement read. 

The new timeline was agreed upon during a Thursday meeting of the GFLB. At that same meeting, commissioners agreed that would abide by the deadlines in Sen. Addabbo’s legislation if Gov. Hochul signs it into law.