In a significant pushback against New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ ambitious plan to expedite casino approvals in New York City, Community Board 4‘s land use committee unanimously rejected the proposed amendment on December 13. 

Community boards, such as CB4 representing Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea, play a crucial role in ULURP, offering advisory opinions on land use plans. Delores Rubin, an outspoken board member, expressed criticism toward the city officials, stating that they had been shaming city planning for relinquishing all responsibilities to the state. She underscored the significance of community input in the decision-making process, reported The City, a non-profit digital news organization.

Hell’s Kitchen resident David Korman echoed these sentiments, condemning the proposed amendment during a video conference, asserting that ULURP was designed to democratize the planning process. Korman argued that the amendment would exclude both the community and city planning professionals from the decision-making table.

The Planning Department justifies the removal of ULURP for casino proposals, citing the duplication of the state’s review process. Under the proposed changes, each casino proposal would be subject to scrutiny by a newly established Community Advisory Committee (CAC). This committee, composed of six members, including the Mayor, Governor, borough president, and local state representatives, aims to conduct public meetings and approve casino applications before reaching the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board.

City Planning spokesperson Casey Berkovitz defended the amendment, stating it is a more effective utilization of time and resources within the city. The goal is to create a level playing field for New York City applicants to compete with proposals elsewhere in the state, according to Dan Garodnick, director of the city planning agency.

However, concerns about the potential impact of gaming facilities on local communities have surfaced. Critics argue that the amendment may allow for large hotels without city planning oversight and could be detrimental to neighborhoods.

Despite these concerns, Mayor Adams, supported by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, emphasized the economic opportunities associated with casinos, citing a potential annual revenue of $5.3 billion. 

While approximately a dozen casino proposals are in the pipeline, only nine are specific to New York City, including locations in Midtown Manhattan, Coney Island, The Bronx, and Queens. Notably, some proposals, like the one near Citi Field, may still require state legislature approval due to parkland considerations.

The fate of the amendment now rests with the City Planning Commission, where questions about its potential drawbacks and the necessity of ULURP for certain cases have already been raised. If approved, the proposal will proceed to the City Council and Mayor Adams for final consideration.

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Dubai, the most ostentatious of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has postponed the approval of casino resorts, potentially dealing a temporary blow to MGM Resorts International’s regional ambitions. In collaboration with Wasl Hospitality and Leisure, MGM opened a branded hotel in Dubai in 2021 and has been closely monitoring the possibility of establishing a gaming regulatory framework.

Dubai Remains Attractive to Investors

MGM Resorts International has long expressed an interest in Dubai, hoping that UAE’s number one tourist destination would finalize its plans to legalize casino resorts. The company is collaborating with Wasl Asset Management Group to create a high-profile venue with a flexible space of 150,000 square feet, awaiting the nod from the UAE leadership to introduce gaming into the mix.

While the UAE has traditionally prohibited gambling under Sharia law, recent indications suggest a paradigm shift. The UAE announced the formation of its first gaming regulatory agency, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, signaling its changing attitudes. However, a new Bloomberg report stated that Dubai had opted to delay the approval of casino gaming.

Such news presents a temporary setback for MGM, which has invested significantly in its planned venue. However, industry insiders agree that regulated gambling will come sooner rather than later, justifying MGM’s decision to proceed with its project. The planned venue’s flexibility means the hospitality giant can swiftly adapt to an eventual green light and launch its gambling content.

Other Emirates Have Launched Preparations

While Dubai’s casino future remains uncertain, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah have gained prominence as strong contenders in their own right. Abu Dhabi is exploring the idea of opening a casino, with potential sites including Yas Island, known for its attractions like the Ferrari World, Warner Bros. theme parks, and the Yas Marina Formula One Circuit. 

Ras Al Khaimah, the capital city of its eponymous emirate, boasts popular tourist attractions and aims to bolster its international appeal. Wynn Resorts has already started developing its Wynn Al Marjan Island project, which can become the first UAE property with casino gaming. Scheduled for an early 2027 opening, it may feature a casino larger than Wynn Las Vegas.

While the UAE may not easily surpass the profitability of destinations like Singapore and Macau, it retains a substantial gaming revenue potential. Launching regulated gambling should lead to significant long-term growth and attract significant foreign investments. High-profile casino resorts would also bolster the UAE’s tourism sector, attracting more diverse visitors.

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