In determining whether an applicant is eligible for a license, evaluation will take into account a series of factors into account. “We know the value of having a gaming license in New York, especially downstate,” the senator said, claiming there is “an entity out there” that’s willing to pay $1 billion “upfront.” “You’re talking about thousands of construction jobs as well as post-construction jobs, and as an elected official that’s what your dream is - to find employment for your people, especially post-pandemic.”Īccording to Addabbo, the Senate “realistically” sees players in the industry willing to pay $1 billion for the license.

Joe Addabbo on the downstate casino licenses, according to PlayNY.

“We’re staring at roughly $2.5-$3 billion in revenue and educational funds and good jobs,” said Sen. The licensure terms are to be negotiated as part of the budget for the fiscal year, which starts April 1.Īdditionally, the Senate proposal makes a nod to Resorts World New York in Queens and Empire City in Yonkers -which are seeking to expand into full casinos- by including language that encourages state regulators “to consider private capital investment” made previous to the effective date of the license. Meanwhile, the Assembly’s one-house plan doesn’t include a proposed figure for the three downstate licenses, reports Politico. The budget says that the New York State Gaming Commission’s siting board “shall determine a licensing fee to be paid by a licensee within thirty days after the award of the license which shall be deposited into the commercial gaming revenue fund provided however that such licensing fee shall be no less than one billion dollars per license.' The license fee was proposed by the state Senate in the one-house budget, released on Sunday. The licenses for the upcoming three downstate casinos in New York could cost $1 billion or more each, double than initially expected.

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