The three available downstate casino licenses promise to be a financial driver for New York, as well as the immediate areas surrounding the future casinos.
However, that doesn’t mean the communities each applicant hopes to establish in are welcoming a new gaming facility with open arms.
Once the three winning New York casinos are selected, each must pay $500 million in licensing fees. A minimum capital investment of $500 million is also a requirement, which is expected to generate numerous construction job opportunities once it’s time to break ground on the projects.
Yet, nearly every casino proposal faces its share of backlash from community leaders and members. How company and local officials handle the pushback will likely play a role in determining which three applicants secure casino licenses.
Community source is crucial inside the casino use process
The Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) values the perspective of each community on the casinos seeking to join their neighborhoods. The board’s Request for Applications (RFA) requires applicants to obtain endorsement from a Community Advisory Committee before the GFLB can begin evaluating the proposal. (The committees may be formed after the GFLB provides a second round of responses to submitted questions. As it stands, we still await the first round of responses.)
This ensures that only projects embraced by the community are put before the Board for consideration, as stated in the RFA. Community Advisory Committee members consist of individuals appointed by elected representatives.
So, a casino proposal receiving negative press from local leaders and residents speaking out against the plan isn’t just tarnishing the proposal’s reputation. It could impact the applicants’ chances of securing a casino license if the Community Advisory Committee hears the public pushback and determines that a gaming facility isn’t beneficial for the area.
Here are a few examples of the responses communities had to groups wanting to build a casino in their area.
Caesars Building Times Sq attempts in order to the air
Beginning a casino in Times Square is a significant undertaking. However, that remains the goal for Caesars Entertainment and SL Green. Each group is a titan in its respective industries. They also hope to collaborate on a New York casino if they receive approval from the New York State Gaming Commission.
But an opposition has formed against Caesars Building Times Square. Leading the charge is the Broadway Community, which formed the No Times Square Casino Coalition.
The coalition describes itself as “a growing alliance of residents, businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders from the Times Square community who are committed to its long-term future and concerned about the significant negative impacts a casino would likely bring,” according to the coalition’s website.
In mid-May, Caesars Entertainment attempted to spread some positivity regarding the casino proposal by releasing a statement on social media.
“Some conflicted parties have attempted to spread misinformation, and we wanted to speak to you, New York, directly,” Caesars Entertainment said.
Then, Caesars Entertainment listed the benefits that could arise if Caesars Palace Times Square becomes a reality. If the project comes to fruition, the Jay-Z-founded entertainment agency assured that staying connected to Manhattan’s culture is of utmost importance to the community.
Vegas Sands’ rugged application method
Nevada-based casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands has its sights set on building a casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum. However, Sands has faced public pushback in the media and the courtroom.
In April, Nassau County officials and Sands agreed to a 99-year lease, giving the gaming operator rights to the Old Barn’s property. Even if Sands doesn’t secure a casino license from the NYSGC, the company would still pay $54 million, as per the agreement.
A long-standing opponent to the Sands project exists with neighboring Hofstra University. In March, the university released a statement calling Sands unfit for Nassau County. Hofstra argued that the proposed gaming facility “is surrounded by schools from kindergarten through graduate school, and a diversity of suburban communities that should not be exposed to the increased congestion, crime, economic harm to local businesses, and other negative impacts that a casino development is likely to bring.”
After it was announced that Nassau County officials agreed to lease Nassau Coliseum to Sands, Hofstra took legal action. The university filed a civil complaint alleging that the Nassau County Planning Commission violated New York’s Open Meeting Laws in its approval of the 99-year lease.
Nassau residents have also made their voices heard through the formation of the Stop the Casino Civic Association. The group has obtained 3,179 signatures, with a goal of reaching 5,000, on change.org.
Queens locals protest Charlie Cohen’ beds casino pitch
New York Mets owner and billionaire investor Steve Cohen is partnering with Seminole Gaming in hopes of opening Hard Rock Casino Queens. The group aims to construct the facility in Flushing Meadows/Corona Park, just outside Citi Field.
In March, Queens locals held a rally to voice their dissatisfaction with Cohen’s plan. Citizens believe an economic boost is a welcome addition to the area, but not in the form of a casino.
Sarah Lanzman of the Flushing Workers Center told PIX 11 that with a casino nearby, she’s concerned about gambling addiction developing in the community. Rebecca Pryor, executive director of Guardians of Flushing Bay, also spoke at the rally.
“We need transparently planned, community-generated local projects that absorb rainfall, reduce pollution, protect our public parkland, and prioritize – rather than prey upon – our environmental justice communities,” Pryor said.
According to the New York Post, Senator Jessica Ramos decided against introducing legislation to ease land-use restrictions for the development of a casino and entertainment venue near the Mets stadium. Ramos also stated that she is not alone in her opposition to a Queens casino, as the majority of her constituents share the same perspective.
The Coney takes a completely unique approach to area outreach
A Coney Island casino is in the running for a downstate gaming license. Backing the proposal is Thor Equities, The Chickasaw Nation, Legends Hospitality, and Saratoga Casino Holdings.
Community Board 13, composed of unpaid members appointed by Queens President Donovan Richards, serves in advisory and consultative roles on issues related to land use and zoning. CB13 took a vote and approved a resolution to oppose The Coney. The board cited the typical reasons for pushing back against a casino: an increase in crime and traffic congestion, among other concerns.
However, CB13’s stance on the Coney Island casino doesn’t hold legal bearing, so it won’t hold up the proposal. However, it could influence the perspective of those on the Coney’s Community Advisory Committee.
Typically the Coney has plenty of help, though
Nevertheless, The Coney also has a strong base of supporters. Former NYC council member Robert Cornegy now serves as a consultant for the proposal and took a boots-on-the-ground approach to reach the community. Literally.
Cornegy knocked on over 16,000 doors of Coney Island residents and obtained 363 signatures on a petition showing support for the casino. Cornegy told PlayNY that this approach allowed him to have real, meaningful conversations with residents.
“I was going door to door to residents and getting their input, which is kind of old school,” Cornegy said. “But we believe it’s very reliable to engage and actually speak to people individually, not just to get a signature, per se, but to get an opinion that’s associated with that signature.”
Other downstate casino applicants have held meetings to gather feedback from locals, but Cornegy states that only the most active community members attend such events. Therefore, hosting meetings doesn’t provide input that’s representative of the community.
“We believe that the real methodology to get the best snapshot is to go all over the community instead of inviting people in,” Cornegy told PlayNY. “That’s about model, I think. Our style is about wanting to have the maximum input from the community – not just to get yeses and obtain signatures.”
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Matt graduated from Northern Illinois University, where he played NIU hockey for the Huskies. Since then, he has focused on NFL and NBA coverage for various websites and podcasts before shifting his focus to casino and sports betting policy.
