Overview

• Community Advisory Committees voted 6-0 for Resorts World in Queens and 5-0 for MGM Empire City in Yonkers, the first bids to pass local screening in the downstate casino race.
• Genting’s plan at Aqueduct outlines a $5.5 billion integrated resort with a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor, a 7,000-seat performance venue, over 1,000 new hotel rooms, and community benefits including a development fund and job commitments.
• MGM’s $2.3 billion proposal in Yonkers calls for a renovated and expanded gaming area, a 5,000-capacity entertainment venue, a parking garage, and new full-service restaurants.
• Both sites are existing racinos seeking full casino licenses that would allow live dealer table games, with approved bids now moving to the State Gaming Facility Location Board and then the State Gaming Commission.
• Manhattan proposals in Times Square, Hudson Yards and near the United Nations were rejected earlier this month, while CAC votes next week will determine the fate of bids in the Bronx, Coney Island and near Citi Field.