Casinos in New York: Resorts World and Times Square race for gaming licences
New York City remains the largest untapped gambling market in the United States, with three highly coveted casino licences up for grabs. The competition is intensifying, as the final decision – expected by the end of the year – will shape the city’s gaming future. At the heart of the debate are two flagship projects: the proposed Caesars Palace at Times Square and the expansion of Resorts World New York City in Queens.
Caesars Palace Times Square: economic driver or cultural threat?
On 13 August, the first of two public hearings was held to assess the joint proposal from Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Realty Corp. Their ambitious plan aims to transform the landmark building at 1515 Broadway into a gaming and entertainment resort (in the photo, the rendering of the Caesars Palace Times Square casino project).
Supporters argue that the project could inject new life into Times Square by creating thousands of jobs, attracting private investment, and enhancing infrastructure, including improved public safety and sanitation facilities. The Actors’ Equity Association described the plan as a potential “game-changer” for the district.
Yet opposition is strong. The Broadway League has voiced its firm resistance, warning that a casino could upset the delicate cultural and economic balance of the theatre district, increase congestion, and siphon resources away from artistic activities.
Politics and casinos: a high-stakes electoral issue
The casino question has also become a central battleground in the political arena ahead of November’s elections. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has notably softened his stance. Once an outspoken critic who labelled gambling as “haram”, Mamdani has now pledged not to use his political influence to block the process, citing respect for voters who approved the expansion more than a decade ago. He framed his position as in alignment with the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, a union that supports the move for the well-paid jobs it promises.
His nuanced position brings him closer to other Democrats, including current Mayor Eric Adams, a vocal supporter of casino expansion who has also revived Bally’s $4 billion proposal for the Bronx. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent, highlights his role in pushing the constitutional amendment that enabled casino expansion in the first place.
Not all politicians share this enthusiasm. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa argues that casinos risk increasing crime, worsening traffic, raising housing costs, and harming small businesses. He insists that local communities must have the final say. Activists such as Sarah Ahn of the Flushing Workers Center have also criticised Mamdani, urging him to support affordable housing initiatives rather than gambling developments.
Resorts World NYC: a $5.5 billion mega-project
Meanwhile, on 20 August, the Queens Borough Hall hosted the first public hearing on Resorts World New York City’s application. The project, enjoying broad community support, aims to transform its 73-acre site into a global destination for gaming and entertainment.
The $5.5 billion plan includes a 500,000-square-foot casino floor – set to become the largest in the United States – featuring over 6,000 slot machines, 800 table games, and extensive dining options. The proposal also covers a 7,000-seat multi-purpose arena, a 350,000-square-foot convention centre, an expanded hotel with 2,000 rooms, and a STEM innovation hub.
If granted a licence, the resort could create more than 10,000 jobs – 5,000 in unionised construction and 5,000 permanent positions – alongside 3,000 on-site workforce housing units and an additional 14,000 indirect jobs.
Community backing and social commitments
Community leaders and institutions have largely rallied behind the project. Councillor Nantasha Williams praised Resorts World as a key partner in workforce development, highlighting its collaboration with York College on training programmes. Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson voiced conditional support, urging more direct investment in local infrastructure and calling for a $140 million community investment fund, as well as expanded mental health and addiction services.
Institutions such as Flushing Town Hall, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation also testified in favour, citing the company’s long-standing philanthropic role. Ellen Kodadek of Flushing Town Hall acknowledged financial support for cultural programmes, while Bruce Flanz, CEO of Jamaica Hospital, pointed to 15 years of donations towards vital clinical services. Justin Rodgers, President and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, stressed the importance of the 5,000 new jobs and the upcoming career centre in Jamaica.
In preparation for this growth, Resorts World has unveiled two major initiatives: the Resorts World Career Center, set to open on 16 September 2025 in Jamaica, and the Resorts World Dealer Experience Center, offering ten-week training programmes for aspiring croupiers.
A decisive moment in 2025
The race for New York’s casino licences is entering its final stretch. By 30 September 2025, local advisory committees must cast their votes, a step that will be decisive in determining which projects advance.
The outcome carries weight far beyond economics. While the proposals promise unprecedented investment and job creation, they also raise pressing questions about urban liveability, community impact, and the preservation of New York’s cultural identity.
This article was first published in Italian on 26 August 2025.
