BILL NUMBER: S9673AREVISED 6/5/24
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
PURPOSE:
To accelerate the downstate casino licensing review and award process.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill provides a technical cross-reference to provide
for how downstate casino licenses will be selected.
Section 2 of the bill provides that all downstate casino applications
must be submitted by August 31, 2024.
Section 3 of the bill establishes deadlines for various aspects of the
application evaluation process. The community consultant must be hired
by August 31, 2024, and will have to notify the community advisory
committee appointing authorities within thirty days of all applications
being submitted. Within thirty days of the appointing authorities being
notified, the community advisory committees will be established. These
committees will have 120 days to evaluate applications. Ultimately, all
applications must be reviewed by the Siting Board and decisions on
recommendations made by December 31, 2025. These applications may be
reviewed sooner if all applicants have received their land use entitle-
ments and all necessary state and local zoning approvals. The Siting
Board, with good cause shown, may grant a thirty-day extension by when
it must issue its recommendations to the Commission. The Commission must
select up to three applicants to receive licenses within thirty days of
the Board making recommendations to the Commission, and the Commission
may, for good cause shown, extend the selection of up to three licenses
for up to thirty days.
Section 4 of the bill provides for an immediate effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The New York State Legislature has authorized up to three new casino
licenses in the downstate region, including areas in and around New York
City, as part of a strategic initiative to boost economic growth and
generate substantial new revenue to the State. This authorization is
expected to create thousands of jobs, both during the construction phase
and in ongoing operations, and is projected to bring in an initial $1.5
billion from the license fees alone, and billions of dollars in revenue
in the years following the conversion of existing facilities and/or the
construction of new facilities.
The process includes a competitive selection mechanism that prioritizes
economic activity, local impact, workforce enhancement, and diversity
plans. To expedite the licensing process and ensure timely economic
benefits, the legislation includes specific deadlines for each step,
from application submissions to final approvals. This approach aims to
prevent delays and maintain investor confidence. The New York State
Gaming Commission will oversee the process, ensuring compliance with
zoning and environmental regulations, with the goal of having all
licenses issued by 2026. This comprehensive plan underscores the Legis-
lature's commitment to leveraging the gaming industry for economic revi-
talization and community development, and to drive revenues for Educa-
tion, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and local
governments.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S.9673 - New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state or localities.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.