The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) has raised serious concerns about the bids from Genting and MGM for a downstate New York casino license. This marks the first time that the NYSGC has publicly expressed concern about multiple applicants vying for the coveted licenses to operate a casino in downstate New York.
The two favorites, Genting and MGM, have been under scrutiny for their high-profile scandals in Las Vegas. Despite having existing gaming footprints in New York that initially gave them an advantage over other bidders, their questionable histories have put their bids at risk.
Chairman Brian O’Dwyer of the NYSGC openly voiced misgivings over the bids from Genting and Wynn Resorts for their alleged violations of the law in Las Vegas. The allegations against these firms are deemed serious and could potentially impact their chances of securing a license.
While O’Dwyer did not directly mention MGM Resorts, another favorite for a downstate casino license, the company also has a history of violations in Las Vegas that could jeopardize its bid. The NYSGC’s concerns come almost a year after reports surfaced about scandals in Las Vegas that could harm MGM’s bid for a license in New York.
MGM, which operates Empire City Casino in Yonkers, was considered a favorite for a license along with Genting, the owner of Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Race Track. However, allegations against Genting’s Resorts World Las Vegas casino for criminal activity have raised red flags, as well as Wynn Resorts’ recent agreement to forfeit $130 million to the federal government over unlicensed money transactions from Wynn Las Vegas.
Both Genting and MGM were eyeing a Class III gaming license in New York to introduce live dealer games at their venues and transition from video lottery terminals to random-number-generator slot machines. However, the NYSGC’s concerns have cast doubt on the viability of their bids and have given hope to other contenders in the field, such as New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s alleged backing of the Cohen/Hard Rock bid for a casino resort complex next to Citi Field in Queens has also come into question due to political pressure within her administration. This shift in support highlights the complex and competitive nature of the bidding process for the coveted casino licenses in downstate New York.