© Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) — There won’t be casinos on Manhattan’s West Side anytime soon. A community board rejected plans to put a Jay-Z backed casino in Times Square. The Ceasars Palace had been proposed over the Minskoff Theater, which currently houses “The Lion King.” The developer, SL Green, had promised it would bring billions of dollars in tax revenue and create at least 13-thousand jobs. Caesars Palace Times Square developers, Jay-Z and SL Green admonished the six member panel, saying they took away economic opportunity for the area.
WABC’s Rita Cosby talked with the developers a few months ago, when the idea seemed to have so much potential.
Another proposal called The Avenir, in Hudson Yards was also shot down. Proposed by Silverstein Properties, the project envisioned a casino-and-hotel complex near the Javits Center.
Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul were the only two members of the Community Advisory Committee who voted in favor of the proposals, which created controversy for months. Assemblyman Tony Simone originally in favor of them until residents started speaking out, citing concerns over congestion, economic disruption and quality of life issues.
Six proposals remain up for consideration by the State Gaming Commission. New York State can only award three casino licenses:
- Freedom Plaza:This proposal, developed by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan, aims for a site near the United Nations headquarters. It includes a casino, two hotels, residential towers with affordable units, and a public park.
- Resorts World New York City: Backed by Genting Group, this proposal would expand the existing “racino” at Aqueduct Racetrack into a full-scale casino, adding a hotel and an entertainment venue. Its existing operation gives it a potential advantage in generating tax revenue for the state more quickly.
- Metropolitan Park: Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International are proposing an $8 billion entertainment complex centered around a casino next to Citi Field. It would transform the stadium’s parking lots into a resort, hotel, music venue, and public parkland.
- “The Coney”: A consortium including Thor Equities and Global Gaming Solutions plans a large entertainment complex in Coney Island. The project includes a casino, hotel, event space, and dining.
- Bally’s Bronx: Bally’s Corporation is proposing a casino resort at the Ferry Point golf course in Throggs Neck. The plan has faced some hurdles, including opposition over using designated parkland.
- MGM Empire City: MGM Resorts International plans to expand and upgrade its existing Yonkers Raceway racino into a full commercial casino and entertainment destination. Like the Resorts World proposal, its current operation makes it a strong contender.
The remaining proposals will be considered by the Gaming Facility Location Board after securing approval from their local Community Advisory Committees, which must vote by the end of September 2025. The board is expected to make its final selection on the three licenses by December 2025.
