Resorts World Emerges as Leading Contender in New York Casino Race, Eyes July 2026 Launch

ByBDG Game
The committee charged with evaluating Resorts World NYC had only praise for the project before advancing it to state consideration.

Resorts World NYC’s parade of praise continued on Thursday, as the project’s designated community advisory committee in Queens gave glowing testimonies before approving the proposal with a unanimous 6-0 vote. The project will now go before the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB).

A fresh round of review by the GFLB will now run through 1 December, the board’s deadline. The state-appointed panel will evaluate all remaining proposals and make licensure recommendations to the New York State Gaming Commission. At that point, the commission will have until 31 December to issue up to three downstate commercial licences.

Out of eight proposals that advanced to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) phase, Resorts World has stood out as a frontrunner from the very beginning. As an established facility, Resorts World enjoys a significant advantage, projecting a July 2026 casino launch—by far the fastest timeline among all bidders.

The property has operated as a video lottery terminal (VLT) facility since 2011, contributing billions in tax revenue over the years and cementing its role as a key economic driver in New York.

Similarly, fellow racino MGM Empire City benefited from its existing infrastructure and was also unanimously approved earlier in the day. In contrast, three proposed casino projects in Manhattan were rejected by their respective CACs, narrowing the competition. Three additional bids remain under consideration following Thursday’s votes on the two racinos.

Strong Public Support

Resorts World distinguished itself not only through infrastructure and readiness but also through overwhelmingly positive community support. Its first and second hearings drew the most favorable responses of any New York casino applicant, further solidifying its path to approval.

With this momentum, Queens is now strongly positioned to secure at least one casino license. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Park, another Queens-based proposal, is scheduled for its CAC vote on Tuesday at 11 a.m.

A Touch of Humor in Politics

During the vote, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards injected some humor into the proceedings, saying:

“Sorry Jay-Z, we win again.”

His remark playfully referenced the rapper’s failed endorsement of the Caesars Times Square project. Richards added:

“I just had to rub that in. You can let the Brooklyn borough president know that I send my regards. With that being said, I vote aye.”

Resorts World Advances to GFLB Phase After CAC Approval

With its Community Advisory Committee (CAC) approval secured, Resorts World now moves forward to the Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) phase. Before the process begins, the operator must pay a $1 million application fee.

The GFLB, much like the CACs, is composed of independent members appointed specifically for this process, with no ties to the gaming industry. Current members include:

  • Vicki Been (Chair) – Appointed 2022, Professor at NYU School of Law

  • Terryl Brown – Appointed 2025, VP and General Counsel at Pace University

  • Marion Phillips III – Appointed 2025, SVP of Community Development & DEI at U.S. News & World Report

  • Greg Reimers – Appointed 2025, Retired Finance Executive

Key Evaluation Criteria

The GFLB will weigh each applicant on four core areas:

  • Economic Activity & Business Development (70%)

  • Local Impact & Siting (10%)

  • Workforce Enhancement (10%)

  • Diversity Framework (10%)

Revenue projections, impacts on existing facilities, and broader market effects will be central to the review. Applicants may also propose and negotiate their own tax rates, provided they exceed the minimum threshold of 25% for slot revenue and 10% for other gaming.

MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle has noted that his company was told to match current property tax rates, with video lottery terminals (VLTs) taxed at about 55%. Horse racing purse commitments will also remain in place.

For Resorts World, however, this is unlikely to pose a problem. bdg game The operator has previously pledged annual tax contributions exceeding $1 billion, underscoring its financial strength and long-term commitment.

Who Will Challenge the Racinos?

While approval of the two racinos was widely expected, the larger question is which—if any—additional bidders will move beyond the CAC stage for state-level consideration.

Some believed CACs might seek to preserve a broader field of applicants, given their advisory role. Indeed, all CAC members appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have consistently voted in favor across every project reviewed so far.

Yet events have unfolded differently. All three Manhattan casino proposals were swiftly rejected. Meanwhile, three members of The Coney’s CAC, set to vote Monday at 3 p.m., have already announced plans to oppose the project. With four affirmative votes required out of six, rejection seems likely.

If The Coney is denied, only Bally’s Bronx and Metropolitan Park would remain in contention. Bally’s has engaged closely with its CAC but continues to face operational and financial headwinds. Metropolitan Park, backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, wields significant lobbying power but raises another dilemma: would regulators really award two of three casino licenses to Queens?

Outlook

These developments highlight a critical reality: although three casino licenses are available, regulators may not award all of them—or may choose to stagger approvals. With Resorts World and MGM Empire City leading the way, the competition for the remaining spots looks increasingly uncertain.

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