The head of the New York Senate committee overseeing gambling said a state gaming board should move quickly to award casino licenses after MGM Resorts International abruptly dropped out of the contest this week.
The process of awarding licenses for the New York City area is now in the hands of the five-member Gaming Facility Location Board, which is expected to announce the winners by Dec. 1. Genting Group’s Resorts World, Bally’s Corp. and Mets owner Steve Cohen, in collaboration with Hard Rock International, are the remaining bidders for three potential licenses.
Waiting any longer would delay the creation of construction and permanent resort jobs, as well money for public transportation that would come from license fees, Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., chairman of the Senate’s racing, gaming and wagering committee, said in an interview.
