The Great Race for NY Casinos

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: September 30, 2025

New York is planning to provide several operators one of three casino licenses for the state. Local communities will have to examine the proposed plans and cast their vote by September 30th. After many years and altered proposals, eight operators remain, but some challenges remain. Read on to learn about the current situation and planned proposals for some operators.

Freedom Plaza

The Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming continue their efforts to earn a license for Freedom Plaza. It would be built close to the United Nations headquarters in Midtown with a casino and two hotel towers. However, it would also have two residential buildings, a Museum of Democracy, and other amenities like a public park and children’s play area.

This proposal, in my opinion, will uplift the community, increase real estate values, create new green space to help the community here and a lot of other things that do nothing compared to all the other pending proposals.

Jerry Kremer Consultant and State Assemblyman

While local unions support the project, as it would open more jobs, many citizens oppose it. They favor the residential areas and parks, but don’t think a casino should be built. Meanwhile, the Mohegan Chief Strategy Officer, Nelson Parker, has stated that the casino is crucial.

Nevertheless, approval of the project has increased to 66% since December 2024. While no hearings have been scheduled, the project would need approval from four of the six members of the community advisory committee.

Resorts World

Resorts World has a significant advantage compared to the other bids, as it’s been operating as a VLT for 14 years. Since then, it’s been slowly expanding and is now among the highest earning sportsbooks in New York. Its proposal would add a 500,000 sq ft. gaming floor with slots and table games, many restaurants, car space, and 10 acres of green space.

Resorts World’s always been there for our community.

Joe Addabbo NY State Senator

While no hearings have been scheduled, Resorts World has almost unanimous approval from legislators and citizens. If it receives a license, it can contribute to the market almost immediately, as it already has an established location. Since it’s been around for at least a decade, it also has a strong reputation among citizens.

Caesars Times Square

Not all proposals are as popular as Resorts World. Caesars Entertainment had plans to open a casino within an old office building on Broadway, but was firmly rejected during its hearing on September 17th. The hearing lasted for 12 hours and included many public comments.

While we are disappointed by the outcome, our commitment to New York remains unwavering. We are proud of our strong partnerships across the state as anchored by our Caesars Sportsbook platform, where we continue to invest and innovate to serve New Yorkers.

Caesars Entertainment

One of the strongest opponents to this proposal was Broadway and the theater industry. Many workers think the casino would be predatory, while locals in the neighborhood argue it would create more crime and traffic. Caesars’ assurance that it would only use the office building and extend the rewards program to surrounding businesses was not enough to dissuade them.

MGM Empire City

While most of the bids are for locations in New York City, MGM has a proposal for Yonkers. Like Resorts World, it already operates a VLT facility in the area, and its $2.3 billion plan would add a remodeled casino and new entertainment venue. MGM claims the facility would not be able to survive if there were other casinos in the area and would have to close down.

We all know that if we don’t get this licence, that Yonkers couldn’t possibly compete with the other casinos as just a racino.

Mike Spano, Mayor of Yonkers

Unlike other proposals, the local community isn’t specifically concerned with the casino. However, they express concerns about flooding, water diversion, and adverse effects from the entertainment venue, such as increased traffic. While MGM’s hearing is over, the committee will vote on the proposal on September 25th.