Will New York Get Its New Casino?

Hundreds of trade union members gathered on Thursday, October 24th, in support of the Wynn Resorts and Related Companies’ $12 billion project at Hudson Yards. They flooded the streets to counter objections raised by Protect the High Line, a nonprofit concerned about the project’s impact. With tensions rising, what lies ahead for New York’s new casino? Let’s discuss this in more detail.

The Background

In 2013, voters in New York approved the authorization of up to seven casinos in the state. In phase one of the plan, four new casinos were opened and the state is now planning to issue the remaining three licenses.

11 proposals are in the running for those three licenses, with the New York State Gaming Commission planning to issue them in late 2025.

Currently, New York is home to 21 commercial casinos but those aren’t the only places where locals can spin slots and play their other favorite casino games. As more and more Americans are turning towards online gambling, crypto casinos are becoming increasingly popular in New York. These are usually licenced overseas rather than within the state itself, meaning locals are free to play at these sites while locally-based options are pending legalization.

The Hudson Yards Project and Other Bids

Earlier this year, Wynn Resorts and Related Companies revealed details of their $12 billion Hudson Yards project as they look to obtain one of the three licenses the New York State Gaming Commission is planning to issue in downstate areas of NYC.

About two months ago, we got a chance to look at the first renderings of the proposed project, which includes a resort and casino. 

The proposed Hudson Yards West development would also feature the Wynn New York City hotel with dining options, bars, spas, and lounges. Other features of the new development would include a residential building, office space, and a 5.6-acre park connecting to the Javits Center and surrounding parks.

Among other applicants for a license is the Mets owner Steve Cohen who has partnered with Hard Rock to build a casino and entertainment complex called Metropolitan Park.

In the running is also the rap mogul Jay Z who has recently promised over $250 million to the Hell’s Kitchen community if he wins the bid. He and his Roc Nation have teamed up with Caesars Entertainment as they plan to build a Caesars Palace Times Square casino.

Union’s Support For Hudson Yards Casino

On Thursday, October 24th, workers from various unions crowded the streets to show support for the proposed Wynn Resorts and Related Companies’ project.

This came after plenty of controversy over the proposal and the objections from nonprofits and the community.

The Manhattan Community Board 4 and Protect the High Line support a 2009 Western Rail Yards which doesn’t include high-rise buildings or a casino.

Their stance is that the Wynn Resorts and Related Companies’ project would do permanent damage to the High Line. They said that the design choices for Hudson Yards obstruct city views and cast shadows over the High Line and other open spaces for much of the day.

In response, Union members showed their support through the rally dubbed “We Build”. 

Gary LaBarbera, the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York said that those opposing the plan are putting their elite attitudes in front of their future and the future of their families.

He added that by stopping the project, High Line officials would kill 30,000 jobs and that union members can’t let them do that because it’s their future.

The president of the New York City Central Labor Council, Vincent Alvarez, emphasized the importance of a strong labor force to keep the city dynamic and added that the elected officials sometimes hinder this process.

Alvarez said that they want to see progress rather than excuses. He added that they want to see housing, stores, and hotels being built.

When unveiling the project, casino giant Wynn emphasized that the resort would open 35,000 union construction jobs and add 5,000 unionized employees to Manhattan’s economy.

However, this was also met with skepticism as academics and business experts said that casinos snuff out economic activity nearby.

So, will New York get its new casino? We’ll have to keep an eye on upcoming developments and how the battle between supporters and opponents will unfold. 

The New York Gaming Commission is set to issue the remaining New York gaming licenses in late 2025.