A bill designed to fast-track the bidding process for three new downstate casino licenses in New York appears to have stalled, with an August 31, 2024, deadline now in jeopardy. Despite passing through both the House and Senate in June, the bill, known as S9673A, remains unsigned by Governor Kathy Hochul, leading to growing uncertainty about its future.

Stalled Bill and Missed Deadline

Senator Joseph Addabbo’s bill, co-sponsored by Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, was created to set a firm August 2024 deadline for the submission of bids for the coveted casino licenses in and around New York City. However, as mid-August has passed with no movement from Governor Hochul’s office, the prospect of meeting this deadline is fading.

Industry insiders and legislators alike have expressed doubt that the bill will be enacted in time to enforce the August deadline. Pretlow and various casino operators have signaled that they believe the deadline has effectively been dropped. Reports indicate that the governor’s office has not requested the state legislature to send the bill forward, suggesting that the urgency of the matter has waned.

Revised Deadline from Gaming Board

Further complicating the situation, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board has already moved to extend the bid submission timeline. In late June, the board voted unanimously to push the deadline to June 27, 2025, citing the original August 2024 deadline as overly restrictive.

Board member Stuart Rabinowitz voiced concerns that the compressed timeline would disadvantage certain applicants while benefiting others. The new June 2025 deadline is intended to provide a more equitable timeframe, allowing all potential bidders adequate time to prepare comprehensive proposals. This includes the necessary zoning changes and environmental impact assessments required as part of the application process.

Despite this decision, Governor Hochul has yet to issue a statement regarding the bill or the revised deadline, leaving the gaming industry in a state of uncertainty. Without a clear directive from the governor, the future of the downstate casino licenses remains uncertain.

Bidding War Intensifies

Meanwhile, the bidding process for the three available downstate casino licenses continues, with 11 bids already submitted. Prominent gaming companies such as Bally’s, Caesars, MGM Resorts, Hard Rock, Las Vegas Sands, and Mohegan are vying for locations across New York City, Long Island, and the Bronx. These proposals are subject to rigorous requirements, including zoning modifications and environmental reviews, making the extended deadline crucial for a fair and thorough process.

The competition for these licenses has been ongoing for several years, reflecting the high stakes involved in establishing new gaming venues in one of the most lucrative markets in the United States. However, the uncertainty surrounding the deadline and the governor’s lack of action on the bill add to the complexity of the situation.

Awaiting Governor Hochul’s Decision

As the gaming industry awaits Governor Hochul’s decision, the question remains whether the state will proceed with the expedited timeline originally proposed by the legislature or adhere to the Gaming Facility Location Board’s extended deadline. The lack of a clear timeline and the stalled progress of the bill have left many in the industry concerned about the future of New York’s downstate casino licenses.

With 11 bids on the table and the June 2025 deadline now in place, the coming months will be critical in shaping the next steps for these highly anticipated gaming facilities. The governor’s next move will play a pivotal role in determining the direction of New York’s gaming landscape.

Source:

“NYS bill to speed up downstate casino bidding is dead, observers say” Newsday, August 14, 2024.

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