MGM, Resorts World, and Hard Rock Expected to Secure New York Casino Licenses

Supporters argue that granting licenses to these companies would allow projects to move quickly, generating billions in private investment, thousands of new jobs, and substantial tax revenue for the state. Resorts World and MGM already operate racinos in the area, making them uniquely positioned to convert into full-scale casinos with minimal delays. Hard Rock’s Times Square proposal, meanwhile, emphasizes entertainment synergy, leveraging Broadway tourism to create a landmark attraction in Manhattan.

The financial stakes are enormous. Each license carries a $500 million minimum fee, with operators committing billions more in development costs for hotels, restaurants, theaters, and public spaces. Officials have stressed that these investments will extend beyond gaming floors, reshaping New York’s urban landscape and expanding its global reputation as an entertainment capital.

Yet competition remains fierce, with rival proposals from Caesars, Wynn, and Las Vegas Sands still on the table. Political considerations, community opposition, and urban planning hurdles could delay final approvals. Even so, analysts suggest that once awarded, the three licenses will redefine downstate New York’s casino industry for decades, creating an economic engine that rivals Las Vegas and Atlantic City.