With New York ready to award three new licenses for the metro area, several prominent casino operators are vying for them. In March, it was reported that the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Bally’s Corp., and Wynn Resorts were readying themselves to compete for the licenses. Today, Hard Rock International, a Seminole Tribe-owned gaming company, has positioned itself for one license.
In a report posted by NJ.com, Jim Allen, the Hard Rock CEO, said that the company planned to build a casino near the Meadowlands Racetracks in northern New Jersey and New York. Jim said that the company was interested in the two markets claiming that he would be happy if God favoured them.
Before, Hard Rock was operating its casinos in Florida. But, the company has decided to expand its portfolio by entering several states across the country. Today, Hard Rock International has gambling properties in Indiana, California, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Atlantic City, Mississippi, Nevada, and Oklahoma. It is planning to launch its latest property in Illinois in late November.
For the company to build another casino in New Jersey, voters have to agree to expand gambling activities beyond Atlantic City through a ballot referendum. The company tried its luck in 2016 but failed and looks forward to trying again in the coming election period. Yet, Hard Rock is determined to pursue one of the downtown operating licenses opposite the Hudson River.
A Tough Competition Ahead
Application for the three licenses is due by December 10. Already, there are two properties in the downstate. These include Resorts World Aqueduct Casino in Queens and Empire City Casino in Yonkers. If the Gaming Commission awards these two casinos a license, one will remain for Hard Rock, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn, and Bally’s to scoop.
The gaming board has asked interested casino operators to issue a request for expression of interest to see how many brands are interested. The board believes this process will help determine the company that will end up with a license.
In a report by the New York Post, several casino operators are looking at lands near Citi Field in Queens, near the Staten Island Ferry, and Belmont Park in Long Island. But, Manhattan lawmakers are against any casino operating in these areas.
New York Is Ready to Expand Gambling
New York is ready to expand gambling. On one side, the gaming commission has asked for companies to submit their interest for a casino operating license. On the other hand, more officials are open to bringing online legal sports betting to the state.
Regulated sports wagering launched in 2019. But, regulated online sportsbooks were not allowed yet. Following low revenue in the state, several leaders have changed their minds about online sports wagering.
Several weeks ago, the Gaming Commission started taking applications from bookmakers. From now on, residents can expect to see prominent brands such as Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, and Barstool Sportsbook applying for online operating licenses.
The process of launching a sportsbook in the state has been challenging. Luckily, it looks like New York is ready for sportsbooks to go live by 2022. Several analysts even predict that New York will become the biggest sports wagering market in the USA.
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