By: Rob Otto

Two state lawmakers are advocating for a faster timeline to award casino licenses in the New York City area, proposing legislation to accelerate the much-criticized process. Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Queens) and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) are backing a bill that mandates bid submissions by July 31 of this year, with the New York State Gaming Commission required to approve the three licenses by March 31 of next year.

The NY Post updated the public on all the goings-on regarding casinos coming to NYC.

The current timeline set by the gaming commission pushes the awarding of casino licenses to December 31, 2025. This extended schedule has faced backlash, including from a senior Sands casino official aiming to establish a gaming venue at the Nassau Coliseum hub in Uniondale, Long Island.

Industry insiders suggest that the prolonged timetable benefits bidders who encounter political resistance or zoning and land-use issues. Notable figures among these bidders include Mets owner Steve Cohen, who envisions an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex near Citi Field in Queens, and the Related Companies/Wynn Resorts, proposing a $12 billion casino and office tower complex in Hudson Yards, Manhattan.

Conversely, the expedited timeline is seen as advantageous for existing slots parlors, such as Resorts World at Aqueduct racetrack and MGM Empire City at Yonkers Raceway, which would only need to expand to offer live card games.

Addabbo and Pretlow assert that their intention is not to favor any bidder but to expedite the process to generate significant employment and revenue for the state. “It’s taking too long. There are inefficiencies,” said Addabbo, whose district includes Resorts World at Aqueduct. “We have to move. There are 5,000 jobs on hold—minimally.”

The process delays, according to Addabbo, are stalling the creation of 5,000 jobs. Each bidder would be required to pay the state an upfront license fee of at least $500 million. The proposed legislation allows the winning bidder two years to address any land-use or legal issues, although it remains uncertain if siting boards would recommend bids with unresolved problems to the gaming commission.

Steve Cohen’s proposal, for instance, requires state legislative approval to reclassify vacant lots around Citi Field from parkland to commercial use. This hurdle has yet to be cleared, as State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), who represents the Willets Point area where Cohen’s casino is planned, has not supported the bill or project thus far.

Assemblyman Pretlow emphasized the urgency of moving forward, noting the financial and employment benefits at stake. “I’ve been trying to get the process moving,” said Pretlow, whose district is near the Yonkers racino. “It’s taking too long. We’re leaving $2 billion on the table. Why are we stringing this along? We’re spinning our wheels here.”

Governor Kathy Hochul, who oversees the gaming commission, has yet to commit to the accelerated timeline. “Governor Hochul will review all legislation that passes both houses of the legislature,” a spokesman said. Hochul is up for re-election in 2026.

Other contenders for the casino licenses include a joint bid by SL Green, Caesars, and Roc Nation for a Times Square casino, Bally’s proposal for Ferry Point in The Bronx, Silverstein Properties’ plan for Hell’s Kitchen, and the Thor Equities consortium’s gaming facility along the Coney Island boardwalk.