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Saratoga Casino Holdings and The Chickasaw Nation are ing Thor Equities in a bid to bring a New York casino to Coney Island. The group will also bring aboard Legends as the venture’s entertainment partner.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s state budget included three casino licenses for the downstate area, which will be issued in due time. The three casinos can be located anywhere downstate, including Lower Hudson Valley and Long Island.
New York casino bid gets boost
In a press release, Sam Gerrity, CEO of Saratoga Casino Holdings, said he was excited to partner with two “world-class” organizations.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Thor Equities, Legends and Global Gaming Solutions, two world-class organizations, to bring a community-friendly gaming and entertainment venue to Coney Island.”
Global Gaming Solutions is the business arm of The Chickasaw Nation. Collectively, Global Gaming Solutions and The Chickasaw Nation operate over 25,000 slot machines and other amenities including:
- 2,000+ hotel rooms
- 30+ restaurants
- dozens of retail outlets.
Additionally, the Chickasaw Nation also employs nearly 13,500 people.
“We currently enjoy an excellent strategic partnership with Legends at our flagship property WinStar World Casino and Resort. Our investment and involvement in this project reflects a desire to expand that relationship and extend it to additional strategic partners in Thor and Saratoga,” said Global Gaming Board Chairman Bill Lance.
“We look forward to a successful collaboration based on our combined strengths and perhaps most importantly – our shared commitment to develop a top-tier entertainment venue that promises to respect the history of the neighborhood and breathe new life into this iconic New York City landmark. We look forward to taking our partnership with Legends – a known and trusted entity in New York – to even greater heights.”
Growing list of contenders
Thor Equities s a list of contenders vying for a casino license. Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, is in talks with Hard Rock on a bid in Queens. Wynn Resorts is proposing a casino in Hudson Yards on the west side of Manhattan. Also, Caesars Entertainment is pitching a casino in Times Square.
The NY State Gaming Commission will issue its Request For Application (RFA) by Jan. 6, 2023.
Once applications are submitted, they will be reviewed by the newly formed NY Gaming Facility Location Board.
