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New York Governor Kathy Hochul is on the verge of greenlighting ambitious plans to introduce three new casino licenses, targeting affluent players in the heart of Manhattan, Your Content has learned.
Negotiations between the governor and Democratic leaders are in progress, with a breakthrough expected soon for the establishment of a lavish gambling venue atop the renowned Saks Fifth Avenue.
The proposed deal would fast-track the issuance of gaming licenses as part of the state’s budget, carrying a hefty price tag of $1 billion.
Presently, out of the 25 casinos in the state, only three are located in the downstate region, namely Queens, Yonkers, and Long Island.
In an effort to bring the allure of casinos to Manhattan, betting companies have been investing approximately $300,000 per month.
Notably, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, which endorsed Governor Hochul’s re-election campaign, has been actively advocating for this endeavor.
The union has generously contributed over $880,000 in campaign funding to Democrats in Albany since 2020.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Eric Adams’ chief of staff, Frank Carone, recently engaged in discussions with Robert Goldstein, the CEO of Las Vegas Sands.
Adams, the mayor of New York City, has expressed his desire for at least two out of the three licenses to be granted within the city limits.
With the potential approval of these three new casinos, Governor Hochul aims to cultivate a Sin City-like atmosphere in the NYC area, appealing to high rollers and injecting a fresh wave of excitement into the state’s entertainment landscape, according to New York Post.
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