As more competitors drop out of the downstate New York casino race, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano is calling on state officials to immediately issue casino licenses to MGM Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Resorts World New York in Queens.

Major bidders exit, community-backed sites remain:

In a public statement, Spano emphasized that both venues are “shovel ready” and backed by strong community support, making them ideal candidates for two of the three available downstate licenses. “We have two racinos whose owners are ready to pay the State a billion dollars in application fees today, and to start generating hundreds of millions of dollars in new taxes tomorrow,” said Spano. “We all know that the cutbacks from Washington are going to cause holes in the State and local budgets by the end of the year, so let’s be proactive.”

Spano’s appeal came just one day after Wynn Resorts officially withdrew its Hudson Yards casino bid, citing “persistent opposition.” That move followed similar exits by Bally’s and Las Vegas Sands. What remains, Spano pointed out, are the proposals from MGM and Resorts World—both of which already operate racinos and face far less resistance from their local communities.

“New York should move ahead right away with the two proposals that enjoy community support and are shovel ready to go,” he said, as Yonkers Times reports. “We’ve already lost too much time. Let’s not lose any more.”

MGM’s Empire City Casino, acquired in 2019, has already contributed over $5 billion to public education funding in New York. If awarded a full casino license, MGM has committed to creating 2,500 jobs and significantly increasing local and state revenues. For Yonkers alone, the economic projections include $34 million in annual city revenue—$15 million more than current levels—and over $340 million in gaming tax revenue over the next decade. Westchester County stands to gain another $170 million in the same period.

“This is an unmatched opportunity for Yonkers and our region, let’s not lose momentum – because we all can win!” Spano added.

Resorts World ramps up bid with housing commitments:

Resorts World New York, operated by Genting, is also strengthening its case for a license with major development promises. The Malaysian-based company recently announced a commitment to help construct 50,000 middle-income housing units across New York City’s five boroughs. While the project is technically separate from its license bid, it aligns with state priorities and could enhance the bid’s appeal.

Kevin Jones, Chief Legal and Strategy Officer at Genting Americas, said, “Resorts World New York City is committed to quickly addressing the housing crisis many of our employees, neighbors and everyday working New Yorkers face today.” He added the company will ensure the housing is “union-financed, union-built, and union-lived in.”

Union leaders and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards voiced strong support for the initiative, with Richards stating, “It’s so critical to make sure that we’re just not talking our way out of this housing crisis, but that we are building our way out of the crisis.”

This housing plan follows Resorts World’s previous proposal to redevelop the Aqueduct Racetrack site into “Aqueduct Park,” which would include 3,000 workforce housing units, a 7,000-seat arena, 1,600 hotel rooms, green space, and a variety of entertainment and wellness facilities.

The New York State Gaming Commission has said it won’t award the three downstate casino licenses until December. Mayor Spano and others argue this timeline causes unnecessary delays in reaping economic benefits.

Industry analysts have noted that MGM Empire City and Resorts World can convert to full casinos far more quickly than other projects that must be built from scratch, allowing them to generate tax revenue and create jobs almost immediately.

With bids due in late June and final decisions expected by year-end, Spano’s latest push highlights growing impatience among stakeholders and a desire to accelerate the licensing process for proven, community-supported operators.