New York’s bill to accelerate the retail casino license selection process sped up on July 7 when the Senate delivered the measure to the Assembly. State Senators had approved SB9673 on June 7, a day after the New York State Legislature was scheduled to adjourn.
The measure proposed by state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., D-Woodhaven, provides a deadline of March 2026 for selecting the best candidates to buy three downstate casino licenses. The New York casino licensing process has been stalled since October 2023.
If the Assembly approves SB9673 and Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul signs it into law, a board appointed by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) could consider license applicants faster. Because potential casino developers could apply for licenses while they attempt to resolve their land use issues instead of afterward.
Meanwhile, NYSGC Communications Director Brad Maione told Bonus on June 7:
We do not comment on proposed legislation.
Hochul’s press office didn’t return a request for comment from Bonus. In the past, the governor’s expressed support for expanding legal gambling by adding the three downstate New York casino licenses.
Possible New York Casino Licensing Results
Addabbo estimates state coffers will fill with $2.75 billion to $3 billion in casino license fees once developers are chosen. He told Bonus on June 5 that New York will need the money to offset Hochul’s “pause” on implementing congestion pricing on vehicles entering Manhattan through Midtown or below.
Earlier that day, Hochul announced she wouldn’t implement the $15 per car charge budgeted to generate $1 billion for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Addabbo had hoped SB9673 would pass the Assembly on June 7.
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