Mayor Eric Adams has put forth a detailed report titled "Casting the Dice: Casinos in New York City," examining seven casino bids dotted across New York City's five boroughs to ensure economic benefits for all. According to a statement on the Mayor's office website, this analysis digs into the financial, economic, and architectural merits of each proposal, weighing potential job creation and economic stimulus against the long-standing needs of local neighborhoods.
In his effort to identify opportunities for widespread city improvement, Adams has spelled out, among other aspects, the need for a fair, competitive bid process for the downstate casino, which he believes presents a "once-in-a-generation chance." "A casino would bring thousands of additional good-paying union jobs and billions of additional dollars in economic development to New York City, which is why our administration has fought for a fair process with as many competitive bids for the city as possible," the mayor stated in a press release. The report aims to balance the prospects of economic development with considerations of equity and local benefits, while also addressing the potential challenges that come with casino integration into urban environments.
Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. highlighted the administration’s focus on a transparent and community-centered process. A key element has been the appointment of Community Advisory Committees (CAC), which play a central role in the bid evaluation process by ensuring public input and thorough scrutiny as proposals are reviewed.
Two casino proposals were recently rejected following expedited CAC votes that took place without extended discussion or analysis. Prior to the votes, the administration had provided the report’s key findings to both the CACs and the applicants to support decision-making. The report includes recommendations on land use, design, and urban planning, and advises all parties in the licensing process—the applicants, the Gaming Facility Location Board, and the New York State Gaming Commission—to apply principles such as revising the distribution of gaming revenue across all boroughs, investing in quality-of-life initiatives, and maintaining transparency in decision-making.
The administration has outlined a framework for the potential introduction of casinos into the city’s economic landscape. The report sets out goals to address community concerns, establish clear guidelines for the licensing process, and position casinos as contributors to broader economic development.
