New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently made the decision to veto a bill that aimed to speed up the process for issuing three downstate casino licenses. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as some believed that accelerating the timeline would benefit certain bidders while potentially harming others. Hochul explained her reasoning for the veto by stating that she did not want to change the rules midway through the process.
The issue of downstate casino licenses has been a long-standing one in New York, with Governor Hochul approving their issuance in the 2022 state budget. The New York State Gaming Commission had planned to award these licenses before the end of 2025, but lawmakers introduced a bill in June that sought to expedite the timeline. This legislation proposed that all applicants submit their proposals by August 2024, regardless of whether they had obtained the necessary zoning approvals.
The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Gary Pretlow and Senator Joseph Addabbo, who argued that the state regulator should eliminate subpar bids sooner rather than later. Senator Addabbo emphasized the importance of resolving land use issues within a reasonable timeframe, stating, “If you can’t figure out the land use issues in two years, maybe a casino shouldn’t be there.” However, despite their efforts, the bill ultimately failed to pass, giving interested parties until June 27, 2025 to submit their applications.
Overall, Governor Hochul’s veto of the bill has sparked debate and raised questions about the future of downstate casino licenses in New York. Supporters of the legislation believed that expediting the process would benefit the state’s economy and provide new opportunities for development. On the other hand, opponents expressed concerns about the potential impact on fairness and transparency in the licensing process.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen what the next steps will be for downstate casino licenses in New York. Governor Hochul’s decision to veto the bill has brought attention to the complexities and challenges of regulating the casino industry, and it highlights the importance of balancing economic interests with regulatory oversight. Ultimately, the fate of downstate casino licenses will depend on ongoing discussions and negotiations between stakeholders, lawmakers, and regulators.