Two major casino expansion proposals in Queens and Yonkers have successfully advanced to the next stage of New York’s highly competitive downstate casino licensing process.
The bids from Resorts World New York City and MGM Empire City both received unanimous approval from their respective Community Advisory Committees, making them the first contenders to clear this crucial hurdle.
The Queens Community Advisory Committee voted 6-0 in favor of Resorts World’s ambitious $5.5 billion expansion plan at Aqueduct Racetrack.
The project aims to transform the existing venue into the largest commercial casino in the United States, featuring an expanded gaming floor with thousands of additional slot machines and hundreds of live dealer table games, new hotel rooms, and a 7,000-seat entertainment venue.
In Yonkers, a separate committee also voted unanimously to back MGM Empire City’s $2.3 billion proposal, which includes a full renovation of its existing gaming floor, a new sportsbook, and a high-limit lounge.
These approvals are a significant development for Queens and Yonkers, especially as three high-profile bids in Manhattan were rejected by their community committees earlier in the week.
Both Resorts World and MGM Empire City currently operate casino-style venues with limited licenses that do not permit live dealer games, positioning them as potential frontrunners to secure two of the three full commercial casino licenses that will be awarded by the state.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. expressed his strong support for the Resorts World plan.
It’s a win for the residents here. This is going to be a destination. It’s already a destination but now you’re talking about an international destination.
The two successful projects will now be considered by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board before moving to the final approval stage with the State Gaming Commission, with a final decision expected by the end of the year.
