URGENT UPDATE: Manhattan’s dreams of hosting its first casino have officially been dashed. The Community Advisory Committee has just announced its rejection of the final proposal for a casino development in the borough, effectively halting years of discussions about a potential Vegas-style resort in New York City’s bustling business and tourist hub.
On September 22, the committee voted 4-2 against the ambitious $11 billion “Freedom Plaza” project, proposed for a six-acre site just south of the United Nations Building. The proposal, backed by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan, a gaming operator based in Connecticut, promised to deliver over 1,000 affordable homes and significant community reinvestment, but these assurances did not sway the advisory board.
This decision follows the rejection of two other prominent Manhattan casino proposals: one in Times Square supported by Caesars Entertainment and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and another in Hudson Yards backed by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts. With all three plans turned down, Manhattan is now left with no opportunities to secure any of the up to three downstate casino licenses available.
Local politicians have cited strong community opposition as a critical factor in these decisions, emphasizing concerns over increased traffic, public safety, and the overall quality of life in the neighborhoods. Residents expressed fears that a casino near the UN complex would exacerbate already strained infrastructure, especially during major events like the General Assembly.
In response to the rejection, Michael Hershman, head of the Soloviev Group, stated that Manhattan desperately needed a resort of this scale to attract tourists and create jobs in alignment with community needs. Meanwhile, Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan, voiced his disappointment, arguing that the review process failed to adequately consider the economic and social benefits their plan could provide.
City Hall officials, including a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams, expressed frustration, indicating that the rejection of these plans means Manhattan has lost out on billions in potential investments, new housing, and educational facilities, calling the outcome a significant setback.
With Manhattan out of the running, the focus now shifts to five remaining casino proposals located outside the borough. Key contenders include a project by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International near Citi Field in Queens, a Coney Island development supported by Thor Equities and partners, and proposals from two existing racinos: Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers. State regulators are expected to issue licenses by December, but local approvals are mandatory for any proposal to advance.
While casino executives once viewed Manhattan as the ultimate prize, recent developments suggest that the future of New York’s gambling expansion may now lie in the city’s outer boroughs, prompting questions about the viability of casino growth in Manhattan. As community pushback intensifies, stakeholders are left to navigate a complex landscape of local sentiment and regulatory hurdles.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
