New York City mayor tables exciting proposal amid casino license race

Article by : Charles Perrin Nov 29, 2023

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams has come up with a radical proposal to shake things up on the casino front.

His administration has tabled the idea of reviewing changes to the current zoning process to make it easier for casinos to set up in the city.

Casinos are currently restricted by zoning codes, but officials supposedly believe addressing this issue will enhance the city’s competitiveness in a fierce market.

As things stand, the current process seems to be outdated. An extensive review of each site entails prospective bidders attending hearings as they seek to win approval from a six-member Community Advisory Committee.

Before selection by the State Gaming Commission, proposals will need a majority backing from the Community Advisory Committee, but in the past, there has been legal opposition to projects.

Anyway, cutting through the bureaucratic red tape and short-circuiting what appears to be a cumbersome and arguably costly operation, is high on the agenda for the Adams Administration.

Indeed, streamlining the process would make it easier for the city to accommodate casinos regardless of their size.

Discussing the proposal, Dan Garodnick, director of the Department of City Planning and Planning Commission, said: “As the state considers proposals for casinos downstate, it’s important that we create a level playing field for applicants within New York City so they can compete for this opportunity.

“This text amendment would avoid duplicating the state’s rigorous licensing process, which includes local representation on the CAC, while setting up a rational framework for consideration within our zoning.”

This exciting development comes with anticipation mounting over the casinos vying to win a coveted license in New York City.

Up to three permits will be issued in the downstate region, and that includes Long Island as well as the suburban counties of Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam.

An announcement is expected in 2024, although some analysts have already expressed fears that the license race could drag into 2025.

As far as the Adams Administration is concerned, the zoning proposal still has a few hurdles to clear before it passes and is  brought into effect.

That said, the proposal reaffirms Mayor Adams’ commitment to improving the casino landscape in New York City, and this shouldn’t go unnoticed.