- New York Metropolis’s subsequent mayor gained’t intrude with the issuing of on line casino licenses
- Zohran Mamdani has no say in the place the casinos will function
As anticipated, Zohran Mamdani cruised to grow to be the following mayor of New York Metropolis through the November 4 election.
Zohran Mamdani, now mayor-elect of New York Metropolis, casts his poll on Nov. 4, 2025. Mamdani doesn’t help casinos coming to NYC, however says he’ll respect the state legislation being realized. (Picture: X)
The Uganda-born, self-described Democratic socialist has pledged to ship New Yorkers with free or low-cost groceries and free bus transportation. Mamdani can be dedicated to elevating taxes on NYC’s wealthiest residents, although he’ll want the State Legislature’s help for that to occur.
Mamdani takes over governance of town’s $2.6 trillion financial system. Whereas his opponents fear his socialist priorities will trigger an additional exodus of the rich, the mayor-elect says he’ll usher in additional reasonably priced housing, introduce hire freezes, supply no-cost childcare, and lift the minimal wage to $30 by 2030.
Mamdani’s four-year tenure will even doubtless see the arrival of the primary downstate New York casinos.
Mamdani’s Affect on Casinos
By subsequent month, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) is predicted to render which of the three remaining bids will win licensure to function Las Vegas-like slot machines, live-dealer desk video games, and sports activities betting. The state board can grant all three proposals licenses, as New York’s on line casino legislation permits for as much as three full-scale casinos in New York Metropolis, Lengthy Island, or Westchester County.
The GFLB fielded three certified bids with Group Advisory Committee (CAC) backing. They’re Bally’s Bronx, a $4 billion scheme at Bally’s Golf Hyperlinks at Ferry Level, Arduous Rock and Steve Cohen’s $8 billion pitch on the billionaire’s Citi Subject Ballpark, and Resorts World’s $5.5 billion overhaul of its lottery racino, RW New York Metropolis, in Queens.
Mayor Eric Adams performed a task within the downstate on line casino course of, as he had a chosen seat on every on line casino CAC for bids contained in the 5 boroughs. Adams’ delegates voted in favor of every presentation.
Since Mamdani gained’t take workplace till January 1, he has no say within the on line casino course of, nor will he have the ability to intrude with the granting of licenses. Nevertheless, he might play a task if the Gaming Facility Location Board opts solely to grant one or two licenses this 12 months.
Ought to a subsequent bidding spherical be opened within the coming years, assuming a license stays unawarded, Mamdani might use his CAC energy to maintain additional playing at bay. Mamdani has stated he’s no fan of casinos.
Mamdani’s On line casino Opposition
Mamdani, a Muslim, doesn’t embrace casinos or playing nearly as good public coverage. He’ll, nevertheless, respect the legislation.
I’ve been open about my private skepticism, and but I additionally know that is the legislation,” Mamdani stated in August.
Eventually month’s mayoral debate, Mamdani doubled down on that place.
I’m personally skeptical of casinos, however voters did select to convey them to New York Metropolis, and in contrast to Donald Trump, I don’t view the legislation as only a suggestion,” Mamdani stated. Pressed about whether or not he prefers one bid over one other, Mamdani stated, “No, I don’t have favorites of casinos.”
Mamdani’s Islam forbids playing and labels the apply as a “grave sin” and an “abomination of Devil’s handiwork.”
