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Three casino bids advance in New York's downstate license race

A high-stakes showdown for NYC's casino future heats up. Who will win the race to transform the city's gambling landscape—and when?

The image shows a paper with the text "Newtown Market Hall, the Poll, Mr. William's Proposition in...
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Three casino bids advance in New York's downstate license race

Three major bids for New York's downstate casino licences have moved forward after clearing a key review stage. The proposals from Resorts World New York City, Metropolitan Park and Ballys Bronx will now face a final decision by the state gaming commission. A ruling is expected before the end of the year.

Among the contenders, Resorts World New York City stands out with a tax offer far above the state's minimum rates.

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board advanced all three bids to the next phase. Resorts World New York City, Metropolitan Park and Ballys Bronx each passed the checkpoint, bringing them closer to securing one of the coveted licences.

Resorts World New York City proposed tax rates of 56 percent for slot machines and 30 percent for table games in its October filing. These figures exceed the state's minimum requirements of 25 percent for slots and 10 percent for tables. The operator has also pushed for a uniform tax structure across all downstate casinos once competitors begin operations. Metropolitan Park set its rates at 25 percent for slots and 10 percent for table games. Ballys Bronx, meanwhile, offered 30 percent for slots and 10 percent for tables. Both projects aim to open by 2030, while Resorts World New York City expects full casino operations by March 2026 if awarded a licence. Tom Grech, president of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, praised Resorts World New York City as *'an incredible partner to all of Queens'*. The venue has positioned itself as a key player in the borough's economy while advocating for consistent tax policies across future downstate casinos.

The state gaming commission will now review the three bids before making a final selection. A decision is anticipated by the end of the year. If approved, Resorts World New York City could launch full casino operations by early 2026, while the other two projects target a 2030 opening.

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