NY Prepares To License Downstate Casinos

Empire State Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is giving the green light for three new casino licenses in the New York City area in 2022. In her recent proposed state budget, Gov. Hochul included a proposal to license downstate casinos earlier than a previous moratorium that set the licensing date for 2023.

This momentum follows the recent launch of online and mobile sports books in the state. However, retail casinos in the New York City area could also be a game-changer for legal and regulated gaming in America’s most populous city.

Bringing New Casino Gaming to New York City

Currently, New York State offers 11 casino venues, seven of which are operated by Indian nations, along with commercial venues. The gambling facilities are located upstate, so the downstate area will now have a shot at offering full-scale casino services.

State Budget Director Robert Mujica commented that the $216.3 billion budget proposal would see a bid order issued. A board will oversee the selection process once the bids come in. There is currently no date set for when licensing would be awarded. However, if the budget is approved, it should come into effect by April.

In 2013, state residents voted to amend the New York constitution to include seven commercial casino licenses. The process started upstate with four licenses, and three more were put on hold until 2023 to give the venues time to build a customer base. The hope is now that the remaining licenses will be provided this year, boosting revenues for the state from fresh gaming venues.

With the licensing of three new casinos, it is expected that as much as $1.5 billion in revenues will be generated for the state.

Slots In New York City

Gamblers in the New York City area already have access to slot-style games at Resorts World Casino, located next to the Aqueduct Racetrack. This venue is approved for video lottery terminals (VLTs) and electronic table games.

The VLTs operate similarly to slots, with over 6,500 located on-site at the casino. Players will find two gaming floors with many games, including penny slots and progressive slots. Popular titles included at Resorts World NYC are Wheel of Fortune, Blazing 7s, Buffalo, 88 Fortunes, Triple Double Diamond, and Quick Hit.

It is expected that Resorts World will receive one of the three full-scale casino licenses. If provided the casino license, the company says it is uniquely positioned to immediately increase support to the state in several ways, including additional revenues and jobs. In a recent statement, the operator stated that the downstate area is full of untapped potential for the gambling market.

Slots Elsewhere in New York State

In upstate New York, players have access to full-scale casino gaming at venues like Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, and del Lago Resort & Casino, among other venues.

Players will find a substantial selection of gaming options upstate in the slot category, from traditional games to progressives and more. Easily walk into any venue in this region of the state and access games for any budget.

Available slots will vary depending on location, but you should find similar titles in every venue. Examples of games you may come across include Aladdins Fortune 3D, Hoot Loot, River Dragons, Rome & Egypt, Sabertooth, 88 Fortunes, A Night of Mystery, and many, many more.

While there is no shortage of gambling options in New York State, adding three casinos downstate will make slot gaming much more convenient for locals in that area and players in nearby states. Hopefully, the budget proposal is approved, and the state can begin the licensing process to push ahead with the new casino licensing period sooner rather than later.