Jay-Z dropped in Monday and Steve Wynn dropped out as New York’s casino competition nears a fast-approaching deadline.
Jay-Z, the rapper and entertainment impresario who is part of a team trying to land a casino license at Times Square, visited the State Capitol to meet and discuss the issue with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers), the latter said.
Roc Nation, Jay-Z's company, is teaming with real estate developer SL Green and Caesars Entertainment on the Times Square project.
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A state casino siting panel has set June 27 for companies to submit bids.
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At the Capitol, Jay-Z made what was a previously unannounced visit to state lawmakers.
"They want to be a casino operator and they were just trying to figure out what do they need to do," Stewart-Cousins told Newsday after the roughly 20-minute meeting. "I told them what they have to do is build community support and support of elected officials in the area. ... They want to continue to be included in the conversation."
The entertainer smiled and waved to fans as he walked the Capitol hallways toward the exit, but didn’t take questions.
Another potential casino bidder — Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment — also have some important business in Albany. They still need the State Senate to approve a land-use bill that would allow them to propose using land near Citi Field for their would-be casino site.
Asked if Jay-Z citing any concerns about the Cohen-related bill, Stewart-Cousins said: "I don’t think they had any concern. I just explained why we were involved as the Legislature because we would have to do the [land] bill or not, whereas in his particular project, we’re not involved."
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Now that the HY proposal is gone, I feel like Times Sq and Coney Island are the strongest contenders to win the bid (with TS having a stronger case than Coney Is)
Now that the HY proposal is gone, I feel like Times Sq and Coney Island are the strongest contenders to win the bid (with TS having a stronger case than Coney Is)
I would agree. But the state is also looking at the largest economic development/impact. With the Cohen Flushing Meadows coup, that will also be tempting. We also have to wonder about the east side. As we see, it's not the locations that make the most sense that will get the upper hand though. So who knows. The Long Island proposal is still looking for someone to take over the Sands proposal, surprised Wynn didn't pivot to that, but the economics of it must not play out.
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Meanwhile, we are getting more looks at the Stillwell Walk and Coney Island Arch proposed for the Coney Island casino...
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__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
A look at the new golf clubhouse proposed for the Bally's Bronx casino...
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__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Op-ed: A casino in Manhattan is the best bet for New York's future
Jessica Walker
May 22, 2025
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There's been a lot of chatter about casinos coming to downstate New York. While the proposals are scattered in locations throughout the area, there is one clear choice: Manhattan. As a truly world-class destination, Manhattan is where the world comes to do business, experience unmatched culture, and seize unparalleled opportunities to live life to the fullest.
While developers ramp up their awareness-building campaigns in advance of the application process beginning later this spring, now is the time for an honest conversation about what’s truly at stake. If we exclude Manhattan from this once-in-a-generation opportunity, we’re not just missing out, we’re setting the State of New York up for a long-term economic misfire.
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A report by the Spectrum Gaming Group, commissioned a few years ago by New York State, examined the potential impact of casinos in the region. The findings were clear: Manhattan would deliver the most significant long-term benefits. The study also confirmed that while upgrading the existing racinos in Queens and Yonkers to include table games may create a quick revenue stream, it simply cannot match the monumental economic impact a new casino in Manhattan could bring.
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I have the deepest respect for my colleagues in the outer boroughs who are advocating passionately for their communities, but in this context, the mandate for the downstate casino process is clear: generate maximum revenue and long-term economic impact. And while there are valuable elements to the casino proposals across the region, only Manhattan can deliver the kind of transformational, billion-dollar investment that the state urgently needs.
….. The decision ahead is about choosing a path that leads to real and lasting prosperity. New York needs a destination casino that drives billions in economic activity, generates enthusiasm from local and global patrons, creates thousands of jobs, and positions us for long-term success. That kind of impact can only happen in Manhattan.
Now is the time to go all in. The smartest bet New York can make is placing at least one of the casino licenses in the heart of Manhattan.
New York City Casino Bid on Manhattan’s East Side Says it Has Public Support
May 22, 2025
Devin O’Connor
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Three of the eight remaining casino bids for New York’s downstate region will receive a license to operate slot machines, live-dealer table games, and sports betting. The bid for Manhattan’s East Side says new polling shows it has the public’s support.
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The Soloviev Group, a real estate development firm best known for its Soloviev Building at 9 W. 57th St., is leading a $10 billion proposal with Mohegan called Freedom Plaza. The integrated resort, which, along with 1,251 hotel rooms, a nearly 300K-square-foot casino floor, and many resort amenities, would include 513 permanently affordable housing units, over 1,000 apartments, and a roughly five-acre public park, believes it has adequate backing from area residents that should persuade the area’s Community Board 6 to endorse the project.
This poll reaffirms what we’ve heard directly from the community — New Yorkers need good paying jobs, open green spaces, and housing options that working families can afford,” said Michael Hershman, Soloviev Group CEO. “As four-generation residents of this area, the Soloviev family is deeply committed to delivering what our neighbors value most and creating a project that will serve the city for generations to come.”
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A new poll conducted by Tulchin Research found that among the 600 voters surveyed across the five boroughs, 64% support Freedom Plaza. In Midtown East where Soloviev is seeking to build the destination just south of the United Nations Headquarters, 57% of residents said they like the resort vision.
The Freedom Plaza poll comes just days after Wynn Resorts folded on its multibillion-dollar casino scheme with Hudson Yards developer Stephen Ross. Wynn and Ross’ Related Companies cited “persistent opposition” to the $12 billion undertaking that would have overhauled Hudson Yards West.
Wynn’s exit came after Las Vegas Sands abandoned its $5 billion plan on Long Island. Sands credited iGaming discussions in New York for its withdrawal, though it too faced heavy opposition from the local community.
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Brooklyn borough president's demands for the Coney Island casino to move forward...
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Some images from the Times Square scoping meeting....
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__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Now, as the Casino License bidding process nears (it starts next month), a look a 2 not discussed much.
While Sands has pulled out of the Long Island plan, they are hoping someone will pick up the bid from where they left off (Wynn?)
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__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
The Times Square casino proposal at 1515 Broadway involves demolishing some of the lower floors, and rebuilding the base, basically doubling the height of the base with new construction. A closer look at that plan....
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__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Does the Times Square plan involve a completely new facade? It looks like at least a portion of the facade would be new.
It looks like it does, with some lighting added down and across.
One thing that's been a mystery with this proposal is the fact the Paramount leases the entire building. It's now clear that they are leaving the building soon, regardless of the casino proposal.
If SL Green doesn't get the license, they will just re-lease the building. But where Paramount is moving hasn't been clear.
The hotel entry would be alongside Shubert Alley, where there is now a Junior's....
Viewed today, this block is a very busy theater corridor. At the opposite end of the block is the under construction "Torch" hotel/observation and drop-ride tower.
There would be enough on this block alone to entice a visit to the city.
On the right, proximity of 5 Times Square, which is being converted to residential...
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
one would think this bid would have the smoothest sailing.
It would make the most sense, but NY doesn't always do what makes the most sense.
It's the perfect location, maybe almost too perfect. The only downside could be that it could be too crowded (but it would be a cash cow for the city/state). While other proposals require people to get to the site, this site comes with people already there. It's not really a destination so much as a part of one, so many of the people that will go in there probably hadn't planned to. It's just there, so why not? For that reason, I wish we could get 2 casinos in Times Square, to balance it out some. As it is, the closest now would be the Avenir...
Inside World Trade Center developer’s plan for a casino skyscraper on NYC’s West Side
By Carl Campanile
May 25, 2025
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World Trade Center developer Larry Silverstein’s firm is envisioning a 785-foot skyscraper as part of a proposed casino complex with a hotel and restaurants on Manhattan’s West Side, renderings show.
The tower at 11th Avenue and 41st Street would include a 1,000-room hotel, restaurants, a food hall — and the Avenir casino, according to the plan by Silverstein Properties.
Silverstein, which is partnering with Rush Street and Greenwood gaming operators, owns the site of the proposed complex and would not need prior review and approval from the community board and City Council to build the complex.
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“Over the last 40 years we have invested heavily in this neighborhood, and care deeply about the fabric of this community,” said Lisa Silverstein, CEO of Silverstein Properties.
“We design as though the neighborhood is a campus, architecturally tying all the elements so they work seamlessly together. It will bring more security, enterprise, and entertainment on a level that doesn’t exist in one establishment and become a sophisticated addition to the New York skyline.”
The Silverstein proposal has emerged as a serious contender after two other major players — Related Companies/Wynn Resorts in Hudson Yards and Las Vegas Sands in Nassau County withdrew from consideration.
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CentraRuddy is excited to be part of the casino sweepstakes.
“The Avenir site is located at the crossroads of diverse neighborhoods and activity districts that currently are not connected,” said Nancy Ruddy, founding Principal, CetraRuddy.
“The development of the site will knit together the fabric of this part of the Far West Side by creating an exciting cultural hub that reinforces New York’s character as a pedestrian-friendly and walkable city.”
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $8B Citi Field casino bid clears major Albany hurdle
By Vaughn Golden
May 27, 2025
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Billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen is one step closer to getting his long-desired casino next to Citi Field in Queens after a key vote in the state Senate Tuesday.
The bill — approved in a 54 to 5 vote despite fierce opposition from local state Sen. Jessica Ramos — clears a procedural hurdle for Cohen’s $8 billion proposal.
The measure would allow the hedge-fund manager to repurpose state parkland near the Mets ballpark as part of his casino plan, which will still require approval from city officials.
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Ramos (D-Queens), who reps most of the proposed site, has argued a casino there would ultimately harm the surrounding neighborhoods — and tried in vain to overcome Cohen’s million-plus dollar lobbying and influence blitz.
“After decades of public neglect, it feels like the first serious proposal on the table is a casino. That is not the kind of development that my community deserves. Casinos may bring lights, but they also bring shadows,” Ramos said during an impassioned speech on the Senate floor.
“I cast my vote today not in opposition to my neighbors, but in defense of a vision of economic development that is dignified, sustainable, and rooted in the needs of working people, not in the wings of a billionaire,” she said, taking a final jab at Cohen.
The legislation was sponsored by fellow Queens pol, state Sen. John Liu (D-Queens), who also represents a portion of the proposed site.
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The state Assembly passed the bill earlier this month, meaning it now just needs Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature.
Hochul has publicly refrained from weighing in for or against Cohen’s or other ongoing casino proposals, so it’s unclear if or when she may be motivated to act on the measure.
Cohen also still needs the sign off from a local siting board before he gets the chance to be awarded the casino license by a state panel housed under the gaming commission.
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Other ‘no’ votes like Krueger, take issue with building more casinos straight up.
“I don’t like gambling. I particularly don’t like government co-sponsored gambling,” Krueger said, the only Senator other than Ramos to speak on the bill.
“Just because you spend money doesn’t mean it’s economic development. Economic development is something that creates new economic activity and opportunity. And the truth is with gambling, the house always wins,” Krueger said.
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
NYC Council delays vote to advance Bally’s casino at former Trump golf course in the Bronx
By Carl Campanile, Craig McCarthy and Vaughn Golden
May 28, 2025
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City Council has given a Bronx cheer to a proposed Bally’s casino, for now.
The Council, headed by Speaker and mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams, refused Wednesday to allow a vote to advance legislation that would allow gaming operator Bally’s to convert part of the former President Trump Golf Course property into a casino.
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”If we don’t get a vote in the City Council, we can’t advance our bid.”
The Bronx and the entire city, Kim said, would be losers.
But Council sources, who requested anonymity, shot back that Bally’s has been slow-footed in lobbying members to woo support for their project and lacks the necessary votes at this time to bring the measure to a vote.
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
Wyndham CEO, major nearby venues back Times Square casino pitch amid concerns for traffic, noise
By Shea Vance
May 29, 2025
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The New York State Gaming Commission hosted a virtual scoping session Wednesday evening for the Caesars Palace Times Square casino development proposal. The commission scheduled the additional scoping session after facing backlash for running last week’s session with little advance public notice.
During public comments, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts President and CEO Geoff Ballotti chimed in to offer his support for the project.
“We believe that this is the only location, having looked at them all, been approached by other partners, where a casino will blend seamlessly into … the identity and the character of a neighborhood that really needs an upgrade,” Ballotti said.
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Three companies are pitching the joint bid for the space — at 1515 Broadway, between W. 44 to W. 45 Streets — Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and entertainment company Roc Nation. Wednesday’s scoping session sought to welcome public participation in the project’s draft environmental impact statement “at the earliest possible stage in the environmental review process,” Executive Director of the Gaming Commission Robert Williams said at the session.
Garrett Armwood, Vice President of Government Affairs at SL Green, presented the proposal for the development at the start of the session. Armwood said the developers had suggested to the commission an extension of the public comment period by one week to allow for the follow-up scoping session “in response to community input.”
“We have designed a proposal that is perfectly in character with the neighborhood and will generate enormous benefits to its neighbors without displacing any residents or potential future housing development,” Armwood said of the development. “This location also enables us to deliver the most sustainable possible project.”
Armwood said that rather than being “designed to keep people inside,” the proposed development would primarily drive business to the surrounding commerce in Times Square, creating a “halo effect” around the casino.
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Minutes before the hearing, the proposal earned the endorsements of two major Times Square venues — The Town Hall and Sony Hall.
“Caesars Palace Times Square represents a transformative opportunity to strengthen our industry in this neighborhood, creating a powerful new tourism draw that will benefit theaters of all sizes,” Sony Hall COO said in a Wednesday news release announcing the endorsements. “We’re proud to join this project and support a vision that will help ensure Times Square remains the world’s premier entertainment district.”
The venues announced that Caesars Palace Times Square and Roc Nation “will sponsor multiple live events each year” at The Town Hall and Sony Hall.
__________________ NEW YORK is Back!
“Office buildings are our factories – whether for tech, creative or traditional industries we must continue to grow our modern factories to create new jobs,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer.
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