Wed Sep 18 06:22:38 UTC 2024: ## Downstate Casino Licenses Face Delays Amidst Political Push for Speed

**New York City, NY** – The race for coveted downstate casino licenses in New York is facing significant delays, despite mounting pressure from politicians for a faster timeline. While the state legislature greenlit up to three new licenses in 2022, the process has stalled, with the New York Gaming Commission hinting that decisions might not be made before December 2025.

State Senator Joseph Addabbo is leading the charge for acceleration, arguing that the economic benefits of new casinos, including job creation and tax revenue, are being unnecessarily delayed. He spearheaded a bill to expedite the process, proposing a deadline of August 31, 2024, for casino bid applications, with selections to be made by December 2025. However, Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to take action on the bill, leaving it in limbo.

Hochul’s team, reportedly preferring a longer timeline set by the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board, believes that the current June 2025 deadline for bid submissions allows more time for complex casino projects. Opponents of a faster process cite the need for thorough planning and the need for certain areas of New York City to finalize zoning regulations.

Despite the governor’s reluctance, Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow remain optimistic, highlighting the potential for immediate economic benefits from licensing fees, estimated at $1.5 billion. This revenue could address the state’s recent budget shortfalls, including the postponement of congestion pricing in Manhattan.

While the focus shifts to downstate development, concerns remain about the impact on existing upstate gambling venues. Upstate casinos were prioritized in the initial legalization of gambling in New York, aiming to boost their economies. Now, politicians like Addabbo argue for similar benefits for the downstate region, including New York City.

The extended waiting period, however, may alter the competitive landscape for existing racinos like MGM’s Empire City Casino and Genting’s Resorts World, both considered frontrunners for two of the three licenses. Their existing video lottery terminals give them a significant advantage over potential new rivals.

The future of downstate casinos remains uncertain as the battle between speed and thoroughness unfolds. Whether Governor Hochul will ultimately choose to prioritize immediate economic benefits over a more deliberate approach remains to be seen.

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