Casino license approvals in New York may face delays, extending the waiting period until 2026, according to a warning from the local senator.
New York City, early September 2025 — Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to sign off on the licensing for casino expansions in New York City, with final recommendations from the Community Advisory Committee due by September 30, 2025. The state is expected to announce the three license recipients by the end of 2025 or possibly early 2026, although delays are likely due to legislative timelines.
This hiatus in awarding downstate casino licenses could potentially impact the timeline for legalizing sports wagering on individual player awards. The proposals regarding these awards are related to commercial casinos in NYC and require Governor Hochul's approval.
The legalization of sports wagering on individual player awards, such as the Super Bowl MVP, the Heisman Trophy, and the NBA Rookie of the Year, is currently on hold due to legislative requirements. These proposals, like the delay in awarding downstate casino licenses, are being reported by Sportsboom.
The location of discussion for both issues is New York City. The next sitting of the New York State legislature is not due to take place for another five months, which may further extend the wait. New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo has stated that the downstate casino licenses for NYC may not be awarded until the start of next year.
The delay in awarding downstate casino licenses in NYC is also affecting the legalization of sports wagering on individual player awards. The article about the delay in awarding downstate casino licenses was written by Graeme Hanna for ReadWrite.
As the wait continues, New Yorkers and sports enthusiasts alike are keeping a close eye on developments in these areas, eager for the day when they can participate in new forms of legal gambling in the city.
