Senator Addabbo has filed a bill that would force New York to consider casino applications sooner
Sen. Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) have proposed a last-minute bill to speed up the current process for granting casino licenses in New York. The bill requires operators to submit bids by July 31 and allows regulators to approve them by March 31, 2025.
The New York State Gaming Commission recently confirmed that casino licenses won’t be granted until December 31, 2025, a move that was denounced by a Sands casino official who is pushing for a new gaming venue at the Nassau Coliseum hub in Uniondale, Long Island.
Some industry experts expressed that the extended timeline helps potential operators encountering zoning issues or political opposition.
Mets owner Steve Cohen is one of the bidders hoping to construct an $8 billion casino project adjacent to Citi Field in Queens, and the Related Companies/Caesars is looking to build a $12 billion casino and office complex in Manhattan at Hudson Yards.
Addabbo and Pretlow stress that the accelerated timetable doesn’t favor specific operators but relates to the thousands of jobs and billions in tax revenue that would be generated for the state.
“It’s taking too long. There are inefficiencies,” declared Addabbo. “We have to move. There are 5,000 jobs on hold — minimally.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who also controls the gaming commission, has yet to comment on the accelerated casino licensing proposal. “Governor Hochul will review all legislation that passes both houses of the legislature,” said a spokesman to The Post.
Plans for additional casinos in New York include Bally’s at Ferry Point in The Bronx, Silverstein Properties in Hell’s Kitchen, SL Green/Caesars/Roc Nation bid for Times Square, and the Thor Equity gaming complex at the boardwalk in Coney Island.
