US Land Casino News from New York, Vegas, and New Jersey
While there is great competition for downstate New York casino licenses, in what could be bad news for online baccarat players looking for new land casinos to visit, another prominent Las Vegas casino operator has withdrawn from the competition.
Wynn Resorts Ltd. announced recently that it would no longer seek a license for its planned casino at Hudson Yards. Wynn’s decision comes soon after Las Vegas Sands Corp. exited the race, abandoning its bid to build a casino at the former Nassau Coliseum site on Long Island.
MGM Resorts International is now the only Las Vegas-based operator actively pursuing a New York license through its Empire City Casino proposal at Yonkers Raceway.
In a statement, Wynn Resorts said:
“After careful consideration, we have decided not to lodge an application for a gaming license in New York City. The company pointed specifically to recent rezoning challenges as influencing its withdrawal, stating, “The recent rezoning process has made it clear to us that there are uses for our capital more accretive to our shareholders, such as investment in our existing and upcoming developments and stock buybacks, than investing in an area in which we, or any casino operator, will face years of persistent opposition despite our willingness to employee 5,000 New Yorkers.”
Despite Wynn’s withdrawal, Related Companies, Wynn’s development partner based in New York City, intends to proceed with a project that will deliver approximately 4,000 residential units at the same site.
Wynn’s exit is the third casino bid withdrawal within a six-week period, with two involving Las Vegas operators. Las Vegas Sands previously spoke about its concerns regarding profitability for a physical casino, given New York’s expanding commitment to online gaming.
Additionally, Saks Fifth Avenue canceled its own casino plans earlier in April, which would have placed a gaming facility on top of its flagship Manhattan location.
Among the remaining Las Vegas-affiliated proposals are Caesars Entertainment’s plan for Caesars Palace Times Square; Resorts World at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, operated by Malaysia-based Genting Group (which also manages Resorts World Las Vegas); Bally’s Corporation’s Bronx proposal adjacent to Ferry Point Park; and a joint project by Florida’s Seminole Indian Tribe, redeveloping the Mirage into Hard Rock Las Vegas, for a site near Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.
Two other casino proposals without direct Las Vegas links are still in contention. The final decisions regarding the three available licenses are expected either later this year or early in 2026.
Rio Hotel Introduces Baccarat Room
In good news for baccarat players, the Rio Hotel and Casino recently celebrated the opening of a new baccarat room, marking another phase in the venue’s ongoing $350 million renovation project.
According to the casino’s news release, the new baccarat area, which is positioned near the main casino floor, is suitable for all players, ranging from beginners to experienced gamblers.
Patrick Miller, president and CEO of Rio, said:
“We are excited to unveil our new Baccarat Room, developed in response to the increasing momentum behind Rio’s gaming operations. This inviting new space marks the latest step in the ongoing transformation of our casino floor. As guest preferences continue to evolve, we remain committed to delivering a dynamic, inclusive gaming experience that reflects the energy and spirit of Rio Las Vegas.”
Recent renovations by owner Dreamscape Companies also include new food and beverage venues such as Canteen Food Hall, Lapa Lounge, and Luckley Tavern & Grill, all of which have opened since Dreamscape took over management nearly two years ago.
Dreamscape, headquartered in New York City, acquired Rio from Caesars Entertainment in 2019 for $516.3 million, although Caesars maintained operational oversight until October 2023.
New Jersey Revives Push for Casinos Outside Atlantic City
In New Jersey, lawmakers are again attempting to expand casino gaming beyond Atlantic City by proposing a constitutional amendment. The proposed amendment would ask voters if they support allowing casinos at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport.
Currently, Atlantic City hosts nine casinos, while online gaming in New Jersey now regularly generates more revenue monthly than physical casino operations.
Lawmakers aim to counter potential market encroachment from New York City casinos. Industry experts are widely predicting great pressure on Atlantic City’s market once New York finalizes the awarding of its three casino licenses, which will permit Las Vegas-style casinos.
“This (introduced legislation) plants a flag to send a message to New York State that if they open a casino in Manhattan, that New Jersey is ready to respond to the competition,” stated New Jersey State Senator Paul Sarlo, co-sponsor of the latest expansion effort.
