Eight bids are competing for three casino permits in the New York City area, and community advisory bodies have been established to decide their fate.

47 individuals will join the various community advisory committees (CACs), according to the announcement made by state officials on Monday.  Reporting recommendations to the New York Gaming Facilities Location Board (GFLB) is the boards' responsibility.  The Community Advisory Committees were established shortly after the bidders' application deadline of June 27, as the state had previously stated.

"For each application submitted, a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will be created to review the application, gauge local support, and ultimately issue a finding determining whether there is adequate support for the proposed project. This affirmative finding is a requirement for the application to be considered by the GFLB,” according to the GFLB website.

Both Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and Mayor Eric Adams have the authority to name CAC members, with additional selections coming from state Assembly and Senate members, borough presidents, and city council members.  Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has exercised his right to self-appoint as borough president.

Additional Information on CACs in New York

On the CACs, the "plumbing" is simple.  Committees will elect a chairperson during their initial meetings.  After that, they will start asking for and examining public feedback.

In light of this, each CAC is required to host a minimum of two public meetings in order to provide residents with a sufficient opportunity to voice their opinions.  Given that New Yorkers have a lot to say about the numerous downstate casino bids, it is probable that those hearings will be lively and well-attended in accordance with New York's open meeting regulations.

“Ultimately, each CAC must hold a vote — with a two-thirds threshold — to establish public support approving or disapproving the application,” according to the GFLB. “The GFLB will consider only applications that are approved by a two-thirds threshold of the applicable CAC.”

The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), which is anticipated to make such choices by the end of 2025, will make the final decisions regarding the winning licensees after the CACs complete their voting process by the end of September. After that, the subject will be forwarded to the GFLB.

Other CAC Chances and Outcomes

Borough presidents have the authority to designate themselves to CACs, and some will probably serve on two committees, as was previously mentioned.  Resorts World New York and Steve Cohen/Hard Rock International are competing for licenses in Queens Borough, which will be the case with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (D).

Given that there are two bids for casino licenses in Manhattan, it is probable that the borough president will also serve on more than one CAC.

Board members serving on multiple CACs are not an issue for MGM Resorts International's Empire City Casino, which is situated in Yonkers, Westchester County, and, like Resorts World New York, is requesting clearance to transform into a Las Vegas-style casino.  It is the only one of the eight suggestions outside of New York City and is not one of the five boroughs.