Governor Kathy Hochul vetoes bill to accelerate NYC casino bidding, citing fairness concerns

New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill that would have fast-tracked the timeline for casino proposals in the New York City area, a move she said would compromise fairness in the competitive bidding process.  

“Changing the timeline … would likely have the impact of helping certain bidders and hurting others,” Hochul said in her veto message. “I cannot support a bill that aims to change the rules in the middle of the process.”  

The legislation, passed by lawmakers in June, sought to require bidders to submit proposals by August 2024, even if local zoning and other approvals were not yet secured. Hochul effectively issued a pocket veto by not acting on the measure, allowing the deadline to pass.  

Under the current process, casino proposals are due by June 27, 2025, with licenses expected to be awarded by the end of that year. Hochul defended the timeline as part of an agreement in the 2022 state budget.

“As part of the process, applicants are required to work with local governments so that their projects fall within the respective zoning laws of the municipalities. Potential applicants have been continuously working toward ensuring that their projects are compliant," the governor explained.

Critics of the veto, including State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Queens), argue that the extended timeline benefits bidders facing zoning or political hurdles. Addabbo, who sponsored the bill, contended that projects with unresolved legal or land-use issues should be eliminated earlier.  

“If you can’t figure out the land use issues in two years, maybe a casino shouldn’t be there,” said Addabbo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering.  

Addabbo also accused Hochul of hypocrisy, referencing her decision to pause a controversial Midtown Manhattan congestion pricing plan before reinstating it after the elections. “The governor changed congestion pricing in the middle of the process,” he said.  
 
Each casino license is expected to bring at least $500 million in revenue to the state, with potential bids reaching $750 million per license, according to Addabbo. The funds would support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).  

While new casino developments could take up to three years to complete, existing slots parlors such as Resorts World at Aqueduct Raceway and MGM Empire City at Yonkers Raceway could swiftly expand to full casinos if granted licenses.  

The casino selection process involves reviews by Community Advisory Committees, comprising elected officials from affected areas, before recommendations are sent to the state Gaming Commission for final approval.