For both policymakers and operators, the stakes are high. Demand in the market has been fueled not only by established operators but also by interest in new sites for gambling, which highlight the growing appetite for fresh platforms and opportunities across the industry.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has voiced frustration about pace and related policy items, but casino license awards are administrative, not legislative: after local Community Advisory Committee (CAC) votes, the GFLB makes decisions and the Gaming Commission issues licenses—no Senate vote or gubernatorial sign-off on individual licenses.
Mobile sports betting continues unaffected; proposals to add new bet types (e.g., season-long/awards “prop” markets) are proceeding under separate legislation (S2616) and are unrelated to downstate casino licensure.
Even though the legislature reconvenes in January, several other matters take precedence, such as the annual budget. Needless to say, these licenses will not be given out very early in the year, but likely several weeks, if not months, later.
It's worth noting that demand is strong: eight proposals are vying for the three downstate licenses. Each bid must secure a two-thirds CAC approval by September 30, 2025, to advance.
Addabbo has said he’s eager for licenses to be awarded to reduce leakage to neighboring states. He has also argued New York forgoes roughly $1 billion annually by not authorizing broader iGaming—a separate policy discussion from downstate casino licensing and from standard sports betting.
He also noted that New York must compete with other destinations. Industry timelines suggest the fastest openings would be at existing “racino” sites if converted after licensure (e.g., Resorts World NYC indicates table games could launch about six months post-license, targeting mid-2026), whereas ground-up projects could take years (2027+). MGM Resorts Investor Relations+3Gaming Facility Location Board+3Resorts World New York+3
In recent months, gambling-related laws have taken center stage across the U.S. While debate continues, New York’s downstate process remains on schedule for late-2025 decisions, with staged openings expected thereafter depending on site readiness and local approvals. Gaming Facility Location Board
