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Nas Is Up Against These Moguls In The Battle To Build A New York City Casino
Forbesยท2025-10-12 10:00

Core Insights - The New York State Gaming Commission is set to select three casino licenses by December 1, with four contenders remaining in the race, each promising significant revenue potential over the next decade [2][11]. Group 1: Contenders for Casino Licenses - The two existing racinos, Resorts World New York in Queens and MGM's Empire City in Yonkers, have a competitive advantage due to their established operations and contributions to state revenue [2][3]. - Bally's Corporation is proposing a $4 billion investment for a casino in the Bronx, which includes a 250-foot-tall casino with 3,500 slots and 250 table games, projected to generate over $1 billion in gambling revenue annually [12][13]. - Metropolitan Park, backed by billionaire Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, proposes an $8.1 billion development next to Citi Field, featuring a casino, hotel, and entertainment venues, with projected annual revenues of $3.9 billion [19][21]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The gaming industry sees New York as a significant opportunity due to its large, affluent population, making it a highly competitive market for casino operators [5][6]. - The New York State Gaming Commission has emphasized that no proposals have an advantage, and the decision will be based on operational ability and integrity [4][5]. - The failure of previous proposals, such as Caesars Palace in Times Square and Freedom Plaza near the UN, highlights the challenges of gaining community support for casino projects in New York City [8][9][10].