Gambling
Here are the key dates in New York’s casino licensing timeline
Bidders have an important submission deadline approaching before regulators start their reviews.
Casinos have to submit their bids this year and then they’ll be reviewed and voted on. Simon Webb and Duncan Nicholls/Getty Images
Jan. 3, 2023: The state Gaming Facility Location Board, which oversees the siting process for new casinos in the state, released a 70-page Request for Applications for potential bidders containing application instructions, evaluation criteria and requirements for applying for a license. The first round of questions were answered on Aug. 30, 2023.
Aug. 30, 2023: The board answers a first round of 600 questions in a 103-page document.
Dec. 16, 2024: The board released a 95-page document with a second round of answers to 450 questions about the process.
January through June 2025: Bidders continue to present their plans to local planning and zoning boards.
June 12, 2025: This is the last scheduled day of the state legislative session. For some of the proposals, state legislators would need to approve legislation allowing for the alienation of parkland before the close of business in Albany.
June 27, 2025: This is when casino applications are due. Community Advisory Councils would form afterward and begin evaluating bids by holding public meetings and soliciting public comments. Within New York City, each council consists of six members each appointed by the governor, mayor, local state senator, local Assembly member, borough president and local City Council member. Outside of New York City, each council consists of five members each appointed by the governor, county executive, local state senator, local Assembly member, and local mayor or town supervisor.
Sept. 30, 2025: Casino applicants must complete all land use and zoning, state environmental quality reviews, and other entitlement processes. Community Advisory Councils must vote on any bids in their jurisdiction by this date. Applications that are approved must then submit a supplemental application, including a proposed tax rate, to the state Gaming Facility Location Board for consideration.
Dec. 1, 2025: The Gaming Facility Location Board makes its final decision on casino applications.
Dec. 31, 2025: The state Gaming Commission awards up to three casino licenses and collects a $500 million license fee from each recipient.
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