Downstate Casino Licensing Process Begins: What It Means for Long Island
LONG ISLAND, NY – New York State’s process for awarding three downstate casino licenses officially began on June 27, 2025, when the application window reopened under legal timelines set earlier this year. The applications will be evaluated by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which must issue awards by March 31, 2026, following local zoning reviews and environmental assessments.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo, chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee, praised the process, emphasizing the importance of transparency, fairness, job creation, and funding for problem gambling programs.
Eight major proposals are now competing for the licenses, led by Resorts World in Queens and MGM in Yonkers. Other bidders include Caesars in Times Square, Freedom Plaza, Coney Island, Citi Field (backed by Steve Cohen), and sites in the Bronx and Hudson Yards.
Though Long Island’s own bid has ended, the region remains a key stakeholder. Las Vegas Sands officially withdrew its $6–$7 billion proposal for a Nassau Coliseum casino in April, citing shifts in iGaming regulations. Local leaders have indicated openness to alternative developers, but strong public and legal opposition delayed previous plans nypost.com.
Meanwhile, Suffolk County is expanding its gaming footprint with a $210 million upgrade of Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia. The renovation will nearly double the video gaming terminals, add dealer-less table games, restaurants, a conference center, and hundreds of hotel rooms—creating over 800 construction jobs and 125 permanent positions
Upstate gaming sites already contribute revenue to public education and infrastructure. As New York enters the downstate phase, local officials and community advocates are monitoring not only economic impacts but also concerns related to traffic, property values, and social effects.
Public feedback will factor into the decision-making process, with local advisory councils reviewing proposals by September 30, 2025, ahead of final State Gaming Commission decisions and license fees, expected to total $500 million.
Q&A: What Long Islanders Need to Know About the Downstate Casino Licensing
Q1: What exactly is happening right now?
A1: On June 27, 2025, New York opened the application window for three downstate casino licenses, kicking off the official process under the Gaming Facility Location Board.
Q2: Who are the leading contenders?
A2: The eight front-runners include Resorts World NYC, MGM Empire City, Caesars, Hard Rock/Citi Field, Coney Island, Bronx (Bally’s), Hudson Yards (Wynn), and Freedom Plaza.
Q3: How will the winners be chosen?
A3: Applicants must submit a $1 million fee by June 27. Then by September 30, they need zoning and environmental clearance, followed by review and recommendation from Community Advisory Committees (CACs). Final selections will be made by the Board and issued by the New York Gaming Commission by year-end.
Q4: How much will this cost the winners?
A4: Each licensee must pay a $500 million fee and commit at least $500 million in capital investment in the project.
Q5: What if Long Island wanted a casino?
A5: While Nassau Coliseum was once a candidate, Las Vegas Sands withdrew in April 2025 due to regulatory and iGaming factors. No active Long Island bid remains.
Q6: How is Long Island responding?
A6: Suffolk County is building off that momentum by investing $210 million in expanding Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia, adding gaming terminals, hotel rooms, and conference facilities.
Q7: What could this mean for Long Islanders?
A7: Potential benefits include more jobs, local tourism, and additional revenue streams. Concerns remain over traffic, crime, and gambling-related problems, as seen with Nassau’s earlier backlash .
Q8: When will we know who wins?
A8: CACs will weigh in by September 30, recommendations are due by December 1, and the final license awards are expected by December 31, 2025, with issuances into March 2026.
Q9: Can Long Island still influence the process?
A9: Long Island can be active through zoning, environmental reviews, and community input to potentially support efforts like a Nassau Coliseum reuse – even in non-casino forms.
Q10: Where can readers find key updates?
A10: Official documents are published by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board and NY Gaming Commission, such as the round‑two FAQs (completed in December 2024). https://nycasinos.ny.gov
