Posted on: September 18, 2025, 04:45h.
Last updated on: September 18, 2025, 04:46h.
- Six bids for casinos remain in downstate New York
- The state can issue three gaming licenses for the area
- Only one bid is left in Manhattan
This week, the number of casino bids for downstate New York decreased by two, as the Community Advisory Committees (CAC) turned down proposals for Caesars Palace Times Square and The Avenir.
Prior to the assessment by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board for one of the three casino licenses, each project must obtain a three-fifths majority approval from its CAC.
This week, the CAC for Caesars Palace Times Square voted against the project at 1515 Broadway with a score of 4-2. Additionally, The Avenir, proposed by prominent real estate magnate Larry Silverstein, faced a similar outcome also with a 4-2 vote.
Consequently, six casino bids remain in contention for the three available licenses, with further votes from each CAC still pending.
Freedom Plaza Proposal
With the eliminations of Caesars Palace and The Avenir, and Wynn Resorts stepping away from the competition earlier this year, only one bid stands in Manhattan—backed by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan, the gaming affiliate of the Mohegan Tribe in Connecticut.
Known as Freedom Plaza, this $11 billion proposal aims to transform a five-acre lot long held by the Soloviev family. Situated just south of the United Nations Headquarters, the collaboration between Soloviev and Mohegan seeks to create an integrated resort, including over 1,000 new residences, with 600 classified as affordable housing. The project would feature a “museum dedicated to democracy,” along with community facilities, a daycare center, a market, and retail shopping opportunities.
Soloviev CEO Michael Hershman argues that one of the proposed downstate casinos should be located in Manhattan, the vibrant core of New York City.
“Despite the setbacks with two strong candidates today, we maintain confidence that one license can be allocated in Manhattan. The area draws more tourists than any other borough, necessitating a fully integrated resort that reflects its status as a global capital,” Hershman stated in a communication to Casino.org.
“By proposing unprecedented levels of public benefits, our $11 billion initiative aims to revitalize a neglected plot, introduce urgently needed housing, establish a substantial public park enhancing community access to the waterfront, develop vibrant hotels with diverse dining options and top-notch entertainment, thereby generating thousands of union jobs and substantial revenue for legally binding community benefits. Freedom Plaza represents a monumental shift in urban development not witnessed in New York City for decades, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring development serves the local population and visitors alike,” Hershman elaborated.
MGM and Genting in the Spotlight
There is widespread speculation that two of the three upcoming licenses are earmarked.
Although state officials assert that MGM Resorts and Genting aren’t the leading candidates for two of the licenses due to their long-standing operations in New York, managing Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Resorts World New York City in Queens respectively, analysts widely believe they are strong contenders for two of the licenses.
Hard Rock remains a strong candidate for a casino near the New York Mets ballpark in Queens. A plan for Coney Island is spearheaded by a group led by Saratoga Casino Holdings and the Chickasaw Nation, while Bally’s bid persists in the Bronx.