On September 23, 2025, a decisive ruling by Manhattan’s community committee brought an end to the possibility of a new casino being built in the borough, as it rejected the final proposal in a series of three aimed at establishing a gambling venue. The Freedom Plaza project, put forth by Soloviev Group in partnership with Mohegan Gaming, was envisioned as an $11 billion development. This ambitious plan included amenities such as hotels, dining establishments, entertainment venues, and a Museum of Democracy, all to be located near the United Nations headquarters. However, this vision will not come to fruition.
The swift decision, taken in just 10 minutes, reflected the committee’s earlier rejections of the two preceding casino proposals. Support for the proposals came only from committee members appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, illustrating a clear divide. Consequently, Manhattan will remain without a comprehensive casino, while most of New York City’s gambling facilities continue to operate in other boroughs, primarily uptown.
Despite these setbacks, the Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming attempted to tailor their proposal to align with community needs and expectations, even introducing significant amendments in the days leading up to the decision. On September 18, 20, and 21, adjustments were made, notably pledging that the complex would include 100% affordable housing. This amendment increased the total number of housing units to 1,080, all earmarked as affordable, which represented a substantial concession compared to other downstate proposals. Had it been approved, the Freedom Plaza project would have emerged as a landmark for affordable housing initiatives in the region.
Yet none of these amendments swayed the committee’s decision. The Freedom Plaza proposal and related materials will now be removed from the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board’s website, a testament to the project’s ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful bid. Thus far, no amendments from any bidders have succeeded in gaining committee approval. The only request for changes met with a direct response was Bally’s Bronx proposal, although a vote on this has yet to occur.
Reflecting on the process, Sandra McKee, the chairwoman of the committee, expressed her gratitude. She acknowledged the comprehensive efforts by both the community and the applicants, yet firmly voiced her opposition to the proposal: “I vote nay.”
The competition for the three available casino licenses in New York City remains fierce, with five bids still in contention. Last week, the committee also rejected a proposal for a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square, despite celebrity endorsement from Jay-Z, and turned down Rush Gaming’s plan for The Avernir in Hudson Yards.
As the competition narrows, each remaining proposal aims to secure a position in a market anticipated to grow substantially in the coming years. Bally’s intends to convert a public golf course in the Bronx into a casino, while Hard Rock International plans a venue adjacent to Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets, in Queens. Another proposal from Genting seeks to expand Resorts World New York City, also in Queens.
In Yonkers, MGM Resorts International aspires to upgrade its MGM Empire City into a full-scale casino, while enhancements are also planned for the Coney Island racino in Brooklyn. Earlier this year, Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts withdrew their bids before reaching the community advisory committee stage.
The regional community advisory committees must finalize their recommendations by September 30, preceding the state gaming commission’s final decision later in the year. Only those proposals receiving CAC approval can be considered by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board, which aims to allocate the three downstate casino licenses by year-end.
This decision not only shapes the landscape of New York City’s gaming industry but also highlights the complex balance of economic development and community concerns. While some argue that a casino could have brought significant economic benefits to Manhattan, others emphasize the importance of prioritizing community needs and concerns over potential financial gains.
In the wider context, the rejection of Manhattan’s casino proposals reflects an industry that is both highly competitive and intricate, where the promise of economic benefits must be weighed against social and community values. As the process unfolds, stakeholders across the spectrum will continue to debate the merits and drawbacks of these large-scale developments, ensuring that both voices of progress and caution are heard.
James Miller is a distinguished casino strategy expert with a wealth of experience in the gambling world. At CasinoNoDeposits.com, James focuses on crafting effective gaming strategies and providing insightful reviews to guide players towards making informed decisions. His deep understanding of casino mechanics and promotional offers makes him a valuable asset to the team. Dedicated to educating players, James ensures that every piece of content is accurate, actionable, and reader-friendly.
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