The New York Casino Weekly Roundup

Sometimes, there’s just too much going on. Such is the case with the New York downstate casino licensing process as eight applicants vie for three $500 million licenses. This story will go beyond the pitches and public meetings for other points of interest among the applicants as they vie to claim the day’s news cycle.

Freedom Plaza to have onsite PG resource center

The Soloviev Group, which is fronting the $11.1 billion Freedom Plaza proposal for a casino on the East Side of Manhattan, announced Monday it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the New York Council on Problem Gaming (NYCPG) to have a dedicated, on-site problem resource gaming center.

The agreement includes the Soloviev Group funding the “design, construction and fit-out” of the problem gaming resource center in consultation with the NYCPG, working on an initial and later annual operating budget that includes staffing costs, and a jointly established Problem Gaming Committee that “will meet regularly to evaluate and enhance outreach efforts.”

“At Mohegan, we believe that creating a world-class gaming experience must go hand in hand with a deep commitment to responsible play,” Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan, the gaming operator for Freedom Plaza’s proposal, said in a statement. “Partnering with the NYCPG to establish an onsite resource center at Freedom Plaza reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting guests and team members who may be struggling and ensuring they have access to the tools and support they need. This initiative is a critical step in fostering a safe, informed, and community-minded gaming environment for all.

“The NYCPG is proud to collaborate with the Soloviev Group in this forward-thinking initiative,” NYCPG Executive Director Michelle Hadden said in a statement. “Together, we’re creating a safe and supportive space within the gaming environment that emphasizes prevention, awareness, and recovery.”

Caesars to commit $15M for Civil Rights museum

While Freedom Plaza has plans on building a Museum of Democracy as part of its proposal, Caesars Palace Times Square on Tuesday announced it will commit $15 million to support the buildout of the Museum of Civil Rights in Manhattan.

A specific location has not been designated, but the joint release from the casino group led by SL Green, Caesars, and Roc Nation and the Civil Rights Foundation noted the venue would be “in the heart of New York City.” The $15 million pledge is part of the group’s proposed $250 million investment in the community.

“Caesars Palace Times Square is more than a project—it’s a partnership with New Yorkers,” Garrett Armwood, vice president at SL Green, said in a statement. “Supporting the Museum of Civil Rights reflects our belief that progress in this city is only real when it is inclusive, and when we honor those who fought to open doors of opportunity for all. This commitment is about preserving history while investing in the future, ensuring that Times Square remains not only the crossroads of the world, but also a beacon of equity, diversity, and resilience for generations to come.”

“For decades, we’ve marched, organized, and raised our voices to demand justice. Now, thanks to this historic commitment from Caesars Palace Times Square, we will have a permanent home in the heart of New York City to tell that story,“ Rev. Al Sharpton, who threw his support behind Caesars in late June, said in a statement. “Investments like this are what set this gaming proposal apart from all the rest: a demonstrated commitment to the community they seek to be a part of. Thank you for this support, and we look forward to making this project a reality.”

Who held public hearings?

On Tuesday, The Coney held its first public hearing in Brooklyn.

On Wednesday, The Avenir held its first public hearing on the West Side of Manhattan.

On Thursday, Freedom Plaza held its first public hearing on the East Side of Manhattan.

Who’s holding public hearings next week?

There are no public hearings scheduled for the week of Sept. 1-5. The Avenir’s second public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8; Metropolitan Park will hold its first public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 9; Bally’s Bronx will hold its second public hearing the same day; and Caesars Palace Times Square will hold its second public hearing Thursday, Sept. 11.