New York State Gaming Commission remains on track to award three downstate licenses by the end of the year.
Photo By – Imagn Images. A general view as the sun sets behind the New York City skyline as seen from Arthur Ashe Stadium. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Editor’s note: This story has been edited to remove comments that were incorrectly attributed to New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr.
The initial article cited a report warning of a potential delay to the award of casino licenses in New York. The New York State Gaming Commission characterized that report as “wholly inaccurate.” Covers apologizes for the error.
The New York casino license race is still underway. The state’s gambling regulator, the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), confirmed to Covers that three licenses are set to be granted to one of eight casinos by the end of the year, despite inaccurate reports claiming delays.
The NYSGC described reports of a delay as inaccurate, after a report claimed that New York state senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. said there would be licensure delays until 2026. Last month, the senator praised the casino licensing process, describing it as a “critical step” for New York’s economic development.
“The downstate casino gaming expansion brings substantial economic development opportunities with job creation, better entertainment choices for our communities and improved programs to address problem gambling,” Addabbo said. “The selection of licensees must be conducted with absolute integrity.”
The NYSGC has received eight proposals for up to three downstate licenses, including plans for major developments in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Community advisory committees are currently reviewing the applications, but their recommendations require a two-thirds vote and public hearings, further complicating the timeline.
Three prospective casinos will be picked by Dec. 1, and licensure will be handed out by Dec. 31.
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