Since 2022, three downstate casino licenses have been up for grabs in New York. Despite delays, they are expected to be awarded before the year’s end.
A Caesars Palace casino in Times Square, was a top contender—even backed by New York rapper, Jay-Z. However, any shot of bringing gaming and gambling to an already crowded Times Square have been squashed after a state-commissioned community advisory committee voted against it on September 17th, 2025.
One of the most vocal groups opposed to a $5.4 billion Caesars-branded casino and resort in Times Square was led by the Broadway League, joined by actors, stagehands, restaurant owners, and neighborhood residents.
Marc Holliday, CEO of SL Green and project’s primary developer, was seen shouting at committee members for their “despicable display of cowardice, [and] a complete lack of consideration for all the people who would benefit from this.”
Meanwhile, Jason Laks, President of the Broadway League, remarked that “This was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway for the 100,000 New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods, and for the tens of millions who come from around the world to experience it.”
With the Times Square casino and Avenir proposal for Manhattan’s Far West Side both rejected, six bids remain for an NYC casino license, only one of those in Manhattan.
For a proposal to move forward, it must receive approval from the Community Advisory Committee, which voted 4 to 2 against both the Times Square casino and the Avenir.
The six remaining bids include: Bally’s Bronx near the Whitestone Bridge, the Coney on Coney Island, Freedom Plaza in Manhattan near the headquarters of the UN, MGM Empire City in Yonkers, Metropolitan Park near Citi Field in Queens, and Resorts World New York City at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.
Each proposal will be voted on before the end of the month. From there, any approved gambling facility must be considered by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board before the final three are awarded licenses from the state’s Gaming Commission.