Hochul Cites Unfair Advantage and Rule Changes in Decision
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill that would have sped up the deadline for submitting proposals for a casino in or around New York City, a move that was expected to shake up the ongoing bidding process.
In her veto message, Hochul expressed concerns that the bill could unfairly favor certain bidders over others, highlighting the impact it could have on the fairness of the process. “Changing the timeline … would likely have the impact of helping certain bidders and hurting others,” Hochul said. “I cannot support a bill that aims to change the rules in the middle of the process.”
The Controversial Bill
The legislation, which had been passed by lawmakers in June 2024, aimed to require casino bidders to submit their proposals as early as August. However, the bill came with a significant catch: it would have pushed up the timeline even if bidders had not yet secured necessary local zoning or other approvals, a crucial step in the process.
Such a change was intended to expedite the process and allow the state to move more quickly toward awarding licenses for new casinos. But, as Hochul pointed out, it could have disrupted the careful planning many bidders had put into their proposals, potentially benefiting some while disadvantaging others who were still in the midst of securing approvals.
Timing and Fairness Concerns
The decision to veto the bill also came after the August deadline had already passed, leaving many in the industry uncertain about the next steps. By not taking immediate action earlier in the year, Hochul effectively allowed the new deadline to lapse, giving casino bidders a bit of breathing room.
The governor’s veto emphasizes the state’s delicate balancing act between speeding up the casino approval process and maintaining a level playing field for all potential bidders. Without the bill’s accelerated timeline, bidders will continue to have time to gather the necessary zoning and approvals before their proposals are reviewed.
What’s Next for the Casino Bidding Process?
With the bill vetoed, the process for selecting a new casino operator in New York City will continue at the original pace, but it is unclear what the timeline will look like moving forward. The state is expected to keep evaluating proposals for potential casinos in the city and its surrounding areas.
Hochul’s veto suggests that she wants to preserve a transparent and fair process, but it also leaves room for future discussions about how to speed up the development of new casinos in the city. The legislature may revisit the issue in the future or explore alternative ways to streamline the approval process without risking an unfair advantage for certain bidders.
The debate over New York City’s casino expansion continues to spark controversy, as stakeholders from various sectors, including those in the gaming industry and local communities, voice their opinions. However, with the vetoed bill now off the table, the focus will shift to how New York can move forward with a fair and efficient process for casino development.
