Date of posting: September 30, 2025, 01:56h.
Last updated: September 30, 2025, 02:02h.
- Four contenders remain for the three casino licenses in downstate New York.
- MGM, Genting, and Hard Rock are leading the bids.
- Bally’s is seen as the underdog.
The selection process for the three casino licenses by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) was initially anticipated to be competitive, but it has come down to a straightforward choice among four remaining bids.
Initially, over a dozen proposals were submitted, but only eight bids were approved by the end of the New York state’s Request for Applications (RFA) period on June 27, 2025.
Companies like Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts, who had initially prepared bids, withdrew their pursuits before the application deadline, citing concerns over iGaming regulations and local opposition. The final eight bids included submissions from MGM Resorts, Genting Group, Bally’s Corp., Hard Rock, Caesars Entertainment, Mohegan, Saratoga Casino Holdings, and Rush Street Gaming.
Following the June deadline, community advisory committees (CACs) evaluated the proposals to determine which would progress to the final review stage by the New York GFLB, resulting in a reduction of bids by half.
Fourth Bid Approved
The week commenced with CACs making decisions on Bally’s Bronx and The Coney project in Brooklyn.
The Bally’s initiative received a 4-2 vote in favor, fulfilling the three-fifths majority requirement and backed by NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Conversely, The Coney CAC voted 4-2 against the seaside revitalization project.
Earlier approvals were granted to MGM Empire City in Yonkers and Resorts World New York City in Queens; however, bids from The Avenir in Hell’s Kitchen, Caesars Palace Times Square, and Freedom Plaza in Midtown East were withdrawn.
On Tuesday morning, the final CAC voted on Metropolitan Park, Hard Rock’s proposal endorsed by New York Mets owner and private equity magnate Steve Cohen. As anticipated, the proposal secured unanimous 6-0 support, advancing to the state GFLB.
This positive development for Cohen follows the disappointing news that his Mets did not qualify for the MLB postseason despite holding the second highest payroll in baseball.
Cohen and Hard Rock are proposing an $8 billion investment to convert Willets Point into a destination akin to a Las Vegas casino resort, which would include a 25-acre public park, athletic facilities, and affordable housing options.
Can Bally’s Compete?
Many industry experts, including those from Casino.org, believe that the New York GFLB has effectively narrowed down the options.
Barring any surprises, the frontrunners—MGM and Resorts World—seem poised for success. The withdrawal of Sands, Wynn, and Caesars leaves a favorable outlook for Metropolitan Park to secure the final gaming license.
Cohen’s backing has enhanced the prospects for the Hard Rock bid, owing to his significant influence and willingness to invest heavily in lobbying efforts. Last year, the casino bidding scene saw unprecedented lobbying expenditures in New York.
Even without Cohen’s involvement in Metropolitan Park, the Hard Rock proposal might have a better chance than the Bally’s bid, which has faced financial difficulties. Concerns linger over Bally’s substantial investments in Chicago and Las Vegas.
The New York GFLB is anticipated to reveal the chosen winners by December 1, 2025.