Welcome to Thunderdome: New York casino edition.

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board (NYSGFLB) announced Friday that eight bids were submitted prior to the 4 p.m. local deadline for the three downstate casino licenses being offered by the state’s gaming commission.

Reaching this point in the timeline of the process comes after years of plans, promises, and proposals that occasionally required political positioning and posturing. There were no late surprises among the eight groups that submitted applications, as some have been providing details of their proposals as far back as 2023.

The following are the eight applicants in alphabetical order with their proposed locations in parentheses:

• The Avenir (Manhattan)
• Bally’s New York Casino (The Bronx)
• Caesars Palace Times Square (Manhattan)
• Freedom Plaza (Manhattan)
• Metropolitan Park (Queens)
• MGM Empire City (Yonkers)
• Resorts World New York City (Queens)
• The Coney (Brooklyn)

Each group selected will have to pay a $500 million license fee and commit to a minimum $500 million capital investment in the area of their proposed venue.

Original list included 11 bidders

The list of eight is whittled from an initial group of 11 that announced interest when the NYSGFB officially opened the bidding window in January 2023. The deadline in the bill creating the licenses was originally Aug. 31, 2024, but the board in June 2024 extended that to today.

In the last three months, Las Vegas Sands (Nassau County), Wynn Resorts (Hudson Yards), and Hudson Bay Company (Saks Fifth Avenue) all pulled out.

What they’re saying in Manhattan…

The Avenir:

“Our team is proud to submit our application for The Avenir, a $7 billion mixed-use casino, hotel, restaurant, entertainment, and public art complex that will bring transformational benefits to Manhattan’s West Side communities while generating the greatest economic benefit to New York State.”

Freedom Plaza:

“This application represents years of meaningful listening and collaboration, and it will uniquely deliver what New Yorkers need most: accessible green space, housing that working families can afford, and well-paying union jobs.” — Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group

Caesars Palace Times Square:

“New Yorkers have the opportunity to do something truly extraordinary right in the heart of the most iconic entertainment district in the world. This proposal brings together an unmatched location, unmatched access, and unmatched team to deliver a project worthy of New York.” — Thomas R. Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment

…and in Yonkers…

MGM Empire City:

“Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway have anchored the entertainment and tourism culture in downstate New York for more than a century. Achieving a full casino license will ensure this site will continue to be a cultural and economic force for generations to come.” — Bill Hornbuckle, President and CEO of MGM Resorts International.

…and over in Queens…

Metropolitan Park:

“This is the product of over four years of working hand in hand with the community, local leaders, and Mets fans. Now, with this application, we’re one step closer to delivering thousands of good-paying union jobs, a vibrant new park, and year-round entertainment that reflects the energy of Queens.” — New York Mets owner Steve Cohen

Resorts World New York City:

“Fifteen years ago, Resorts World made a promise to turn this site into an economic engine for Southeast Queens, New York City, and New York State. And we succeeded … Today is a major milestone for us to propose the world-class Resorts World Integrated Resort and further commit to this partnership and provide new career opportunities and tax revenue almost immediately, as soon as July 2026.” — Robert DeSalvio, president, Genting Americas East.

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