NEW YORK | Casino Development| FT| FLOORS

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by BK1985

Has Thor released any renderings for Coney Island? i would be really interested in seeing that simply for the indoor amusement feature.

I haven’t seen any released so far. For the most part, we’ve only seen Saks and Solo’s. And a little of SL Green’s proposal. But they’ve supposedly already been presented with at least 5 Manhattan proposals. At this point, it’s up to individual bidders to make proposals public, or wait until the board does.

[NYguy]

The Coney Island casino would sit on some of Thor's Coney Island properties, directly across from the train terminal...

[NYguy]

https://www.bonus.com/news/new-york-casino-applicants/

New York Casino Applicants Meet Their First Siting Board Deadline


HEATHER FLETCHER
FEB 3, 2023

Applicants interested in Downstate New York retail casino licenses sent their first round of questions to the siting board.

New York casino applicants had to submit Round 1 of questions to the New York Gaming Facility Board (NYGFB) by 4 p.m. on Feb. 3 to continue in the process that each hope will culminate in receiving a full retail casino license. Three licenses are available.

However, the process that began on Jan. 3 is slated to take months to complete.

On Feb. 2, Brad Maione – communications director for the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) that appointed the siting board – answered questions from Bonus.

Maioine said: Once Commission staff process the questions received the procedure will hew to the format used in 2014.



Expectations May Not Be New York Casino Applicants Reality
Many Downstate New York casino license hopefuls have presented their proposed projects to the public.

It’s unlikely that the entities telling the public about their proposals wouldn’t then submit applications to the siting board, but press releases aren’t official applications. So it’s possible some of what’s listed below won’t be among the New York casino applicants.

Most New Yorkers expect the Queens gambling facility, Resorts World New York, to try for one of the full licenses. That’s especially true because Bonus heard a Resorts executive say so on Sept. 22 at the East Coast Gaming Congress and NexGen Gaming Forum (ECGC) in Atlantic City.

Another existing Downstate New York gaming facility, Empire City Casino in Yonkers, may also be in the mix. The MGM Resorts International property also doesn’t yet have a full license.



But Wait! There’s More! Then the razzle-dazzle begins.

Among the proposals seen by the public so far are:

-What’s being called Caesars Palace Times Square. Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Realty Corporation want to renovate 1515 Broadway. That has the potential to bring more lights and sounds to Times Square.

-A proposal from Saks Fifth Avenue to convert the top three floors of its 10-story flagship store to a retail casino.

-Citi Field may be the site of a casino if Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International submit an application that’s ultimately approved.

-Coney Island may have a large adult playground if developer Thor Equities and many partners succeed.

-Hudson Yards may have a casino near the rail yard if its developer, Related Companies, brings its planned project with Wynn Resorts to fruition.

-Renovations at the former Hotel Pennsylvania near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden are the brainchild of Vornado Realty Trust.

-The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum may become “a multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment, and casino project on Long Island, New York,” if the Las Vegas Sands project is chosen for a license.

-The United Nations headquarters visitors will be able to see a Ferris wheel, a “Democracy Museum,” a large hotel, and a retail casino if developer Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment are among the approved New York casino applicants. Much like Caesars Palace Times Square, the proposed project already has a name: Freedom Plaza.

[NYguy]

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[manchester united]

But in NYC (not in NY State), how many casinos will be built?

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by manchester united

but in nyc (not in ny state), how many casinos will be built?

Up to 3. Or maybe none. Nobody has a license yet.

[NYguy]

https://nypost.com/2023/02/12/ballys...x-golf-course/

Bally’s eyes NYC casino next to Trump’s Bronx golf course





By Carl Campanile
February 12, 2023

Gaming giant Bally’s is betting on The Bronx — by proposing a casino next to the Trump Organization’s public golf course at Ferry Point, The Post has learned.

Sources familiar with the corporation’s plan said its officials have engaged in discussions with the Trump Org about assigning 17 of the 300 acres on the site to Bally’s to operate a casino.

The property is owned by the city and the real estate company — former President Donald Trump’s business empire now run by two of his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric Trump — has a 20-year contract with the Parks Department to operate it as a golf course.

Bally’s plan would only require 10 acres for its casino, with the other seven going to a green space or other uses such as housing for workers, according to the sources.

Long-term, Bally’s would like to take over the entire property — which was once a garbage dump — from the Trump Org, sources familiar with the casino company’s thinking said.

The project could create over 15,000 construction jobs and more than 3,500 permanent, high-paying union gigs with salaries starting at $70,000, plus benefits and retirement, sources familiar with the project said.

Bally’s confirmed its blockbuster plan for a casino next to the course at the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in a statement to The Post on Sunday.

“We are incredibly excited at the prospect of bringing Bally’s community centered approach to gaming and entertainment to The Bronx. At Bally’s, we start with the proposition that the leaders in the community know what is best for their community,” a spokesperson said.

“With that guiding principle in mind, we have been engaged in an ongoing series of conversations with local elected officials, community groups and key civic leaders to hear directly from them about what they would like to see from a potential new project,” the statement said. “Our vision, which includes transforming a former waste disposal site and a high-end golf course into a world class entertainment destination, with a focus on workforce housing and new and improved public green space at the center of the project.”

Bally’s vowed that Bronx small businesses and residents will have the opportunity to “share in the economic prosperity and access to amenities” provided by the casino “for generations to come.”

“We couldn’t be more grateful at the prospect of writing the next chapter of Bally’s storied history in the Bronx,” the spokesperson said.

The Trump Org, which previously operated casinos in Atlantic City, had no immediate comment.

… Bronx Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, whose district includes the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, said she was bullish on having a casino there.

“It’s really great for The Bronx,” Velazquez said Sunday.

She foresees good union paying jobs at the casino with a spillover effect to boost mom and pop businesses nearby.

Velazquez said the Trump golf course is too expensive and most of her constituents can’t afford to swing clubs there.

“It’s an opportunity to reimagine what is possible at the site. I’m very proud to have The Bronx part of the conversation.”

Bally’s has some New York roots. Its Chairman, Soo Kim, grew up in Queens and the firm is owner of one of the sports betting licenses in New York.

It’s bringing in some politically connected Bronx big wigs on board to make its case. Stanley Schlein, the lawyer with deep ties to the Bronx Democratic Party and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), just registered as a lobbyist for Bally’s.

Fabien Levy, a spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams said, “We’re not going to comment on a proposal that has yet to be submitted and in which we’re not the one making a decision on” — noting that the state will issue the casino licenses.

[NYguy]

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/13/n...lf-course.html

Bally’s Casino Proposal May Hinge on Removal of One Word: Trump
With the Trump name mostly anathema in New York, Bally’s is pinning its hopes for a Bronx-based casino on a vow to sever Trump’s name from a golf course there.


By Dana Rubinstein and Stefanos Chen
Feb. 13, 2023

For years, anyone going across the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge in New York has had to cast their eyes on former President Donald J. Trump’s surname, emblazoned in paving stones at the entrance to the public golf course he controls in the Bronx.

For most New Yorkers, it is a peculiar, particular affront — made worse by the high greens fees charged at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point: $195 during the weekends, out of reach for many residents in one of the country’s poorest counties.

But in the heated bid for one of three new casino licenses in New York, Bally’s Corporation is promising to strip the former president’s name from the golf course.

The excising of the Trump name comes with a catch: Bally’s will only do so if it wins the right to build a casino where the Trump clubhouse now stands, according to two Bally’s officials, speaking anonymously so as not to damage ongoing negotiations with the former president’s company.

Bally’s said it reached a deal with the Trump Organization in December that enables it to take control of 17 acres of the 192-acre golf course, should it so desire. And if it exercises the option, it will be entitled to erase Trump’s name from the property, according to the officials.

A spokesman for the Trump Organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Bally’s is among at least 10 bidders in a stiff competition for one of three newly available New York casino licenses. SL Green Realty Corp., which calls itself the city’s biggest office landlord, is bidding to build a vertical casino in Times Square. Related Companies, the developer of the biggest privately built mixed-use development in the country, is bidding to build a casino with Wynn Resorts on the West Side of Manhattan. Hedge fund manager and New York Mets owner Steven Cohen is planning to bid for a casino near Citi Field in Queens. There are proposals for Coney Island, and Long Island, and Yonkers.

They vary widely in size and ambition. The metrics by which the state will judge the bids, and the timeline by which they do so, remain unclear. But the state is counting on casino revenue to help bolster the finances of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the city’s transit system and has yet to recover from the pandemic.

Bally’s, which has been scouring New York City for potential casino locations for at least three years, is proposing to build a roughly $2.5 billion project in the Bronx.

“We have the right to exercise our option at any time to make a payment and essentially step into their lease,” Soo Kim, the company’s chairman, said in an interview on Monday.

The 17 acres the company is likely to use in their bid encompass the golf course’s parking lot, clubhouse and practice facilities — most everything excluding the 18-hole course. It encompasses the “Trump Links” sign at the entrance to the golf course, Mr. Kim said. But the site is a complicated one. Much of it is built on former landfill, rendering construction there difficult.

Mr. Kim is also negotiating with the Trump Organization for the rest of the 192 acres. There are less than 20 years left on the Trump Organization’s lease with the city, and the city would have to approve any new use for the site.

In an interview, Mr. Kim said the company also has a lease option for nine acres in Willets Point, and he did not rule out submitting two casino bids for the separate sites.

The company recently took a similar path in Chicago, proposing bids at two sites and ultimately winning city approval to build a $1.7 billion casino in River West.

[Busy Bee]

Well they've got the right idea there...

[mrnyc]

meh.

times square and aquaduct and that's enough.

no bx and no coney clearcutting -- i want to keep on bump, bump, bumpin my azz off.

[NYguy]

To me, it’s Coney, Times Square, and Hudson Yards as the top picks. No others come close to being able to draw in the crowds, local and otherwise.

It’s interesting that back in the 70’s, when a Coney Island casino seemed a sure thing, the state was looking to create as many as 40 across the entire state. Now that number is a restrictive 7. But back then, it never came to a vote. A certain former president made sure of it. And wouldn’ you know, it turns out that same person had plans for an Atlantic City casino in the works. So pay close attention to how this all plays out.



https://www.businessinsider.com/trum...-course-2023-2

Trump wants back in the casino biz — as Bally's landlord in the Bronx. Many approvals would still be needed.


Laura Italiano
Feb 13, 2023

Former President Donald Trump wants back in the casino business — this time as a landlord in the Bronx.

Under an agreement struck with Bally's in December, Trump would sub-lease a 17-acre portion of his public golf course in the Bronx to the gaming giant, which hopes to get the local, city, and state approvals needed to build a casino there.

The casino would carry Bally's name only, not Trump's, and the former president's only connection would be as a landlord, according to a source familiar with the sub-lease agreement who is not authorized to speak to the public.

[Busy Bee]

Just f****** go away man.

[NYguy]

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/q4-20...092907615.html

Alexander David Goldfarb

Okay. And then the second question is, you guys appeared in the press recently that you're still in the hunt for casino. It's been a while since you talked about movie studios. The Manhattan Mall seems to be a great spot for potential studios. So just sort of an update on what you can provide us. Do you have an operating partner for studios? Do you have an operating partner for casino? Or are both of those 2 items -- things that more are back burner and less front of house, if you will.

Steven Roth

The answer is yes and yes in terms of operating partners, and no, they're not really back burner.

Alexander David Goldfarb

Anything more to elaborate? Or...

Steven Roth

Not really. I mean, we have a wonderful Manhattan property that is going to be converted to studios. We have a great operating plot. We are in conversations with multiple users, and the demand is actually very -- actually extraordinary. With respect to the casinos, I don't have a lot to say. We're still mulling and studying and thinking, what have you, about that. We have a great site. And whether we throw it into the game is to be decided.

[Busy Bee]

That's the first I've ever heard anything about [Gimbels] Manhattan Mall and film studios. Im not sold on the logic of that in that location honestly but at least it sounds like the word "conversion" is suggesting they thankfully dont intend on razing the building. It will be very interesting to see how the planned additional tower will work into this concept. I'm still assuming the bottom couple floors will still be retail. Also am curious whether the studio concept is being treated as an interim use?

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by Busy Bee

That's the first I've ever heard anything about [Gimbels] Manhattan Mall and film studios. Im not sold on the logic of that in that location honestly but at least it sounds like the word "conversion" is suggesting they thankfully dont intend on razing the building. It will be very interesting to see how the planned additional tower will work into this concept. I'm still assuming the bottom couple floors will still be retail. Also am curious whether the studio concept is being treated as an interim use?

I don’t know where that guy got the idea. But Vornado is currently in the process of approvals for a studio on the riverfront. Thats the one Roth was referring to.

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/designcom...C-p-Pier94.pdf


I do remember years ago, talk shows used to be filmed at the 33rd St location.

[NYguy]

Coney Island has been seeing a lot of development, with more on the way. The amusement zone has also been expanding with new attractions. The only part of the plan not coming into focus is the plan for the indoor entertainment/amusement district, the part of the plan to make it a year ‘round destination. The zoning is in place, and has been in place. It’s time to make it happen.



https://www.brooklynpaper.com/corneg...y-casino-team/

Brooklyn’s next big moment’: Former councilmember Robert Cornegy, Jr. joins Coney casino team


By Jada Camille
February 15, 2023

Robert Cornegy Jr., a former councilmember for the 36th district, has joined a team of entertainment bigwigs in their bid to win a license to build a new casino in Coney Island.

The state is preparing to issue a batch of new casino licenses in downstate New York, and Coney local Joe Sitt, who owns part of the peninsula’s entertainment district, is leading the charge to bring one to the People’s Playground through his development company Thor Equities. Working together with Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation, and Legends, Thor is preparing their application — now with help from the former politician.

According to Cornegy, who represented Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights in the city council from 2014 to 2022, there has been decades worth of disinvestment in the Coney community, and a new entertainment spot could be an “economic driver” for the nabe, which relies heavily on summertime tourist traffic to support the local economy.

“I get to put passion where my mouth is and do something epic by bringing economic stability to Coney Island,” he told Brooklyn Paper. “This is one of those projects that I am proud to be on because it takes a seasonal community and turns it into a year-round economic development.”

Since joining the pro-casino team, he has met with storefront owners from the area to better learn about the community’s needs. Their proposal looks to tie local businesses to the facility, rather than bringing in chain restaurants or shops — solving an issue of “economic isolation,” according to Cornegy.

“This project represents Brooklyn’s next big moment, and I can’t think of a better place for a world-class entertainment venue than right here in Coney Island,” he said. “We have such a vibrant group of locally-owned businesses that have been calling out for a year-round economic driver, and I am looking forward to working with our community to help show the state that Brooklyn is ready for this venture.”

Randy Peers, president and CEO for Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, says this approach will distinguish Coney Island bidders from larger corporations who are used to dealing with chains — strengthening their proposition.

“I think the goal here is to ensure that the retail represents Brooklyn and it represents our diversity and the amazing cultural attributes of Brooklyn,” Peers said. “That’s what I think it should be about. I think the team is very deliberate and very sincere when they say they want to go local.”

While supporters — including Mayor Eric Adams, who has said he would like at least two casinos to open in the city — say the project would create jobs and boost the nabe, some locals and politicians are skeptical. Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny told Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNY last year that he would support the proposal only if the developers agreed to a long list of community benefits like repairs to the Coney Island boardwalk and a full cleanup of the sludgy Coney Island Creek. Former state Senator Diane Savino said she thought the team was in for a lot of pushback from the community, especially given the lack of infrastructure for year-round residents.

“The people in Coney Island are very sensitive to the fact that six months out of the year, the whole world considers it its playground and six months out of the year, it can be quite lonely,” Savino told amNY. “And what are they going to get out of it?”

The casino is still in preliminary stages as bidders prepare their plans and request for the required license applications.

“I believe we still got a lot of work to do and going to every corner and turning over every stone is something that I’m committed to,” Cornegy said.

[NYguy]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...301748549.html

Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Announce Expansion of Caesars Rewards® Partnership to New York Businesses as Part of Times Square Gaming License Bid
Participating Merchants in the Big Apple will be able to Join the Caesars Rewards Gift Card Network, Reaching 60+ Million Caesars Rewards Members


Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Feb 16, 2023

Caesars Entertainment ("Caesars") and SL Green Realty Corp ("SL Green") today announced a new Caesars Rewards® partnership for local merchants in greater New York City as a part of their pursuit of a gaming license in Times Square. When Caesars Palace Times Square opens in Manhattan, Caesars Rewards members will be able to use their Reward Credits by converting them to gift cards, valid across the Caesars Rewards Gift Card Network, including participating hotels, restaurants, retailers, comedy clubs, entertainment venues and more across New York.

As part of Caesars and SL Green's joint bid with Roc Nation to bring a gaming and entertainment destination to Times Square, the companies are committed to supporting local businesses. Caesars and SL Green have begun signing up new merchants in Times Square and greater New York to join the Coalition for A Better Times Square. Participating merchants' involvement in Caesars Rewards would be effective upon SL Green and Caesars' procurement of a New York State gaming license.

As part of the program, Caesars Rewards members will be able to use Reward Credits for gift cards valid at participating New York businesses – allowing Caesars to inject millions of new dollars into the local economy. Caesars Rewards members would also be able to earn credits when using their Caesars Rewards credit card at participating businesses.

"Caesars Rewards is the largest and most successful gaming loyalty program in the world, and it is a natural fit to bring it to a city like New York," said Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. "We know from experience that investing in cities and neighborhoods benefits everyone involved. By expanding our powerful Rewards program in New York, we can better ensure that our work in Times Square creates good jobs and allows small businesses to grow and thrive."

"Our vision is to build a gaming and entertainment destination that fits into the fabric of New York. Guests at Caesars Palace Times Square might game at our tables, but they are going to eat at area restaurants, stay in neighborhood hotels, see Broadway shows and shop at stores in Times Square and across the city," said Marc Holliday, CEO of SL Green. "By expanding the Caesars Rewards program in New York City, we can formalize that relationship with local businesses and demonstrate our deep commitment to New York's economic future."

Caesars, SL Green, and Roc Nation are jointly pursuing a license to convert existing office space at 1515 Broadway and create Caesars Palace Times Square. The venue would include 250,000 square feet of gaming and a 950-room hotel. Caesars Palace Times Square will be 100% privately funded.

[NYguy]

February 20, 2023


1515 Broadway, site of the Caesars proposal, home to Paramount and the Lion King.

[NYguy]

https://www.politico.com/newsletters...epens-00083727

SLGreen’s Adams relationship deepens


By SALLY GOLDENBERG, ANNA GRONEWOLD and ELEONORA FRANCICA 02/21/2023

SL Green, the city’s largest commercial landlord, has tapped Mayor Eric Adams’ recently departed chief of staff as it bids to open a Times Square casino with Caesars Entertainment and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Frank Carone inked the yet-to-be-reported contract with the project’s law firm, Greenberg Traurig. In a statement, Carone said he will “help create a diversified community engagement hiring plan as part of the proposal for a Times Square gaming destination.” Carone also pledged not to lobby — something city law temporarily bars him from doing with his former employer anyway. (He is arguably more valuable providing insight into City Hall’s inner workings, and previously left open the possibility his staff would lobby city officials when his ban expires.)

The move by SL Green — whose vice president recently apologized for lambasting a competing Queens project — further underscores the company’s relationship with Adams. As a candidate, he praised SL Green’s famed One Vanderbilt skyscraper, and as mayor he rolled out his bid to host the Democratic National Convention from the tower’s Instagrammable summit, even though the convention itself would be held across town. Adams and Carone have run staff meetings out of One Vanderbilt, the mayor has partied with celebrities there and SL Green’s employees showered him with campaign donations.

Winning over Adams is just one goal for casino operators and developers, who need support from Gov. Kathy Hochul, borough presidents and city and state lawmakers with appointments to advisory committees. The state is granting three downstate licenses, and two are expected to be awarded to existing “racinos” in Queens and Yonkers.

“We are very excited to be working with Frank to ensure that Caesars Palace Times Square maximizes job opportunities for under-represented communities across all five boroughs of New York City,” bid representative Jeremy Soffin of BerlinRosen said in a statement.

[NYguy]

https://newjersey.news12.com/local-l...-nassau-casino

Local leaders in Garden City vote to officially stand against proposed Nassau casino

Feb 21, 2023

The Garden City Village Board voted to take an official stand against a proposed casino at the Nassau Hub.

The vote was a symbolic gesture, but community members hope it sends a strong message to the developers and county officials that they don't want a casino in their neighborhood.

The proposal by Las Vegas Sands would have an entertainment complex at the Nassau Coliseum site - including a casino, a hotel and an event space.

The developer says the project would bring jobs and tax revenue.
Those against the project say they are worried about increases in traffic and crime with negative impacts on students at nearby colleges.

Pearl Jacobs, of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, that money cannot be put above young people's future.

"It's not good for our community, it's not good for Nassau County," Jacobs says. "Those casinos bring in crime."

News 12 received a statement from Las Vegas Sands about the vote, saying, "We look forward to continuing conversations with the village of Garden City and all interested individuals to ensure that this integrated resort is a benefit to everyone."

Some who came to the meeting, however, are betting that the proposed casino would be a success.

"You're creating jobs and you're bringing money into Long Island," says Raymond Nieves, of Hempstead. "That's what we need."

Those at Tuesday's meeting hope to form a coalition of villages and elected officials against the casino project. It's not clear if any other villages are opposed to the plan.

The Nassau County Legislature will decide the fate of the proposed casino project.
New York w
ould also grant one of only a few available casino licenses to Las Vegas Sands.