On Monday, New York City will move forward in its push to bring casinos to the five boroughs. The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB), made up of five members, is set to visit the final three contenders for a downstate license.
During the visits, the board will hear applicant presentations and evaluate issues such as parking availability and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
The three proposals still in the running include:
- Bally’s Bronx project, proposed site at Ferry Point Golf Course
- Resorts World Queens, which already operates video lottery terminals
- Metropolitan Park in Queens, a development backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen
The board will deliver its recommendations on December 1, with the option to approve up to three licenses, or none at all. Final approval must come from the state Gaming Commission before year’s end.
Legal Hurdles
The Metropolitan Park proposal faces added complications. On Friday, a judge ordered the city to halt any agreement that would permit construction in Citi Field’s parking lot. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by the United States Tennis Association, which argues that such development would violate its lease terms.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Park project responded, saying, “We disagree with the opinion and are reviewing our options.” The USTA clarified that it is not opposed to the casino itself but wants to ensure the city honors its parking obligations.
This legal dispute injects further uncertainty at a critical stage for developers competing for one of the highly sought-after casino licenses.
Other New York Casinos
While there are numerous gambling options in New York, NYC has only one actual domestic casino. The new initiative could lead to three more casinos being awarded licenses in the Big Apple.
In Upstate, there are four brick-and-mortar casinos, according to the Gaming Commission’s website. All operating casinos in the state are commercial in nature and offer live dealer table games, slot machines, poker, and other casino classics.
Online Casino Laws
The State of New York has not enacted legislation authorizing online casino gaming and, instead, permits the operation of social casinos.
At present, there are no statutory provisions that expressly prohibit licensed offshore betting platforms from accepting players located in New York. As a result, New York residents may legally access and participate in real-money online gambling activities, including casino games, sports wagering, poker, lottery, and related offerings, without exposure to state-imposed penalties.