Bally's potential exit from the New York casino contest due to unsuccessful zoning sanction
In the heart of New York City's bustling downstate area, the competition for one of the three available casino licenses is heating up. With seven high-profile bidders vying for the coveted spots, industry expert Grant Mitchell reports that the race remains intense [1][3].
Two frontrunners have emerged as the principal contenders: Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) and MGM’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers. Both venues have a strong operating history, with RWNYC backed by a $5.5 billion bid and the support of rapper Nas and the Queens community [3].
Resorts World NYC plans a rapid transformation to a traditional Las Vegas-style casino hotel, promising swift economic benefits and potentially opening by July 2026 [3]. This ambitious project could strengthen its case with regulators and give it an edge over its competitors.
MGM’s Empire City Casino, another established venue, has a proven track record of job creation and tax contributions. Both RWNYC and Empire City Casino are widely viewed as the favorites among the eight remaining casino developers [3].
Other competitors include projects in Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Yonkers, and Manhattan, each with varying degrees of community support and promises of jobs, tax revenue, and infrastructure investments. However, some early bidders have withdrawn due to community opposition, narrowing the field to these eight serious candidates [3].
The application process involves local review by Community Advisory Commissions, which must approve proposals with a two-thirds majority before the state Gaming Facility Location Board advances them. The timeline suggests an announcement of winners could occur by the end of 2025, although the process has experienced some delays [1][3].
Grant Mitchell, a reliable source for news and updates on the casino industry, provides insights and analysis on the competition. His articles can be found on various news platforms, offering readers a chance to stay updated on the latest developments [2]. Reading Grant Mitchell's articles can help one understand the persistence and high standards required in this competitive industry.
As the licensing decisions are among the most closely watched in the state's gaming industry, the economic and community implications are significant [1][3]. The winner of these licenses will undoubtedly shape the future of New York's casino landscape.
[1] New York's Casino Licenses: Who's in the Race? (Grant Mitchell, Industry Insights, July 16, 2025) [2] Grant Mitchell's Articles: Your Guide to the Casino Industry (Various Platforms, Accessible Online) [3] The Race for New York's Casino Licenses: An In-Depth Look (Grant Mitchell, Financial Updates, July 20, 2025)
- The online casino industry is closely watching the competition in New York City, as potential winners could shape the future of the casino landscape, even influencing the online gambling market.
- While Resorts World NYC and MGM’s Empire City Casino are viewed as frontrunners in the race for online casino licenses, sports betting and finance sectors are also eager to see which of the eight contenders will secure a spot, considering the substantial economic benefits that come with the licenses.
- With the ambition for a traditional Las Vegas-style casino hotel, Resorts World NYC is hoping to attract more tourists, not just locally but internationally, making it a strong contender for the business aspects of the industry, including revenue from sports betting and online casino platforms.
