New York gambling officials are preparing to issue casino licensing in New York City, providing more gambling options for the downstate area. As the licensing process heats up, more developers and casino operators are revealing ideas for gaming sites. New companies in the mix include Related Cos. And Thor Equities, with ideas to bring gaming to Hudson Yards and Coney Island.

New Casino Site Ideas

As licensing approval draws near, more interested parties are providing insight into what they would like to do when it comes to casino gaming in New York City. Related Cos. is interested in a site at Hudson Yards.

The Chairman of the company, Stephen Ross, is known as a large contributor to Governor Kathy Hochul’s campaign. He would like to bring a casino near Penn Station and Jacob Javits Convention Center. Reportedly, Related is exploring the options for a casino site.

Thor Equities and John Catsimatidis are looking to bring a casino to the popular Coney Island property. A casino in this area of New York would bring a lot of ‘vigor to Brooklyn’, according to Catsimatidis, a billionaire property developer.

Casino Operators Showing Interest

Along with developers, casino operators also want a piece of the action. As far as operators are concerned, a few big names are being thrown around as interested in New York City gaming. Hard Rock International is one name that has been brought up, with lobbyists of the company meeting with officials to discuss casino options.

Hard Rock has also donated to Hochul’s election campaign, providing monetary assistance to the Democratic Party. Reports indicate that Hard Rock wants to build a casino near Citi Field at Willets’ Point. Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, likes the idea and has talked to City Hall about the plan. Sands Casino has also said to have discussed a possible NYC gaming venue.

It may be a bit difficult for more than one company to receive a gaming license due to the two existing slot parlors in the region. The Aqueduct property and Empire City venues would both like to offer full casino gaming, which would take two licenses off the table.

It is unclear if the two will receive a license, but many officials are in favor of the option. This would leave only one license for interested developers and casino operators to compete for.

For now, the state’s gaming commission must place individuals on the casino sitting board. The final board must be named by October 4. At that point, the board will have 90 days to issue a request for bids regarding casino licensing.