NYC casino plans and game rooms in existing buildings
Updated 3/14/2024 with renderings of Hudson Yards casino.
New Yorkers who like to gamble may not have to travel to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or Montville, Connecticut (home of Mohegan Sun) to indulge for much longer: Elected officials authorized up to three casino licenses for downstate New York in April 2022. Two existing “racinos” (tracks with digital games) in Yonkers and just off JFK Airport are considered to be leading contenders for two of the three licenses, largely because they have the infrastructure to seamlessly segue to full casinos. The third would potentially allow the first casino to open in the heart of New York City.
New Yorkers who like to gamble may not have to travel to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or Montville, Connecticut (home of Mohegan Sun) to indulge for much longer: Elected officials authorized up to three casino licenses for downstate New York in April 2022. Two existing “racinos” (tracks with digital games) in Yonkers and just off JFK Airport are considered to be leading contenders for two of the three licenses, largely because they have the infrastructure to seamlessly segue to full casinos. The third would potentially allow the first casino to open in the heart of New York City.
In late November 2023, the City Planning Commission started a public review process for a zoning text amendment that would make it easier to build casinos in specified commercial and manufacturing districts by allowing them to avoid the uniform land use review procedure (ULURP). Crain’s New York Business notes that the plan puts no restrictions on casinos’ sizes and allows developers to tack on facilities like hotels and restaurants.
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Proponents of New York City casinos say they will create jobs, attract tourists, and raise money. Opponents object on the grounds that casinos will cause congestion (especially in the already-crowded Times Square), exacerbate gambling problems, and siphon off money from existing entertainment options (e.g. Broadway shows) rather than bring in new money.
Envisioned Saks casino roulette tables
The application process began in January 2023, and several of New York's biggest developers are clamoring for a license. We take a look at the possible proposals below. Whoever gets approved, if anyone, the new casino will not be openfor years to come.
In the meantime, poker games are legal in New York State as long as no one makes a profit from organizing the events. In other words, it is legal to host a poker game with friends in one’s own home, and some buildings have taken it one step further by putting dedicated poker tables in their game rooms. With indentations for cards and tokens as well as a special surface that allows the cards to slide more easily across the surface, these are a step up from the typical kitchen table. These are also typically located near lounges with big-screen TVs, bars, or terraces to keep the party going.
In the meantime, poker games are legal in New York State as long as no one makes a profit from organizing the events. In other words, it is legal to host a poker game with friends in one’s own home, and some buildings have taken it one step further by putting dedicated poker tables in their game rooms. With indentations for cards and tokens as well as a special surface that allows the cards to slide more easily across the surface, these are a step up from the typical kitchen table. These are also typically located near lounges with big-screen TVs, bars, or terraces to keep the party going.
Possible Casinos
Caesar's Palace Times Square, Midtown West
Developed by Roc Nation, SL Green, and Caesar's Entertainment
Many bold-faced names have entered the fray for a New York City casino, and that was especially the case when Jay-Z's Roc Nation joined forces with the developers of a possible Times Square casino. It is planned for the upper floors of 1515 Broadway, a 54-story office building in Times Square that is currently home to Viacom Entertainment and the Minskoff Theatre, where The Lion King is currently being performed. In addition to the casino, the proposal calls for a hotel, a wellness center, theater space for The Lion King, and additional entertainment, food, and drink options.
Wynn Hudson Yards, Midtown West
Developed by Related and Wynn Resorts
All renderings via Related Companies and Wynn Resorts
In one of the earliest bids, Related Companies released a proposal with Wynn Resorts to build a casino in an as-yet undeveloped portion of their Hudson Yards development. Months later, in March 2024, the most detailed series of renderings to date were revealed for the project, depicting a new set of towers for the Hudson Yards skyline; it is poised to take shape on a platform above the railyard between West 30th and 33rd Streets and Eleventh and Twelfth Avenues. At the center of it is a tapering, 80-story skyscraper with the Wynn Resorts casino, a conference center, 1,750 hotel rooms, and retail and restaurant space; it rises from a multi-story podium with several outdoor terraces and rooftop greenery. The plan also calls for a soaring office tower with a 750-seat public school, community facility, and daycare center; a 1,507-unit residential tower with 324 affordable units; and a 5.6-acre public park with access to the Javits Center and the High Line.
The Avenir, Midtown West
Developed by Silverstein Properties
In June 2023, Silverstein Properties unveiled their proposal for a hotel, casino, and residential development to take shape on an undeveloped site at West 41st Street and Eleventh Avenue. The proposed 1.8 million-square-foot project calls for two 46-story towers connected by a 45th-story sky bridge and housing an eight-story casino run by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment in the base. It also includes a luxury hotel, a top-floor performance venue, and a residential component that would be 100 percent permanently affordable.
Saks Fifth Avenue casino, Midtown East
Developed by Hudson's Bay Company
In early 2023, Hudson's Bay Company, parent company to Saks Fifth Avenue, released renderings of a casino to span the top three floors of the iconic department store. A casino operator is not yet available, but plans call for a separate, red carpet-lined entrance, lavish interiors, and a rooftop space overlooking Rockefeller Center. It must be noted that of all the proposals, this one would require the least amount of work.
Freedom Plaza, Turtle Bay
Developed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan
In February 2023, Soloviev Group unveiled a proposal for Freedom Plaza to rise on a six-acre stretch of vacant land near the United Nations headquarters. In addition to a partially subterranean casino, the proposal calls for a hotel, a museum, retail space, public green space, and two residential towers. More recently, in November 2023, Soloviev Group announced that Bjarke Ingels would design the project and, if given a casino license, they would include over 500 permanently affordable units in the residential towers.
The Coney, Coney Island
Developed by Thor Equities, Saratoga Casino Holdings, and the Chickasaw Nation
In Brooklyn's only casino bid, Thor Equities announced a bid for a beachfront casino in late 2022. In March 2023, the first renderings appeared, depicting a towering glass building housing the casino and overlooking the iconic boardwalk. It has been billed as part of Coney Island's revitalization, one that would offer a year-round attraction as opposed to the seasonal amusement park.
Metropolitan Park, Flushing
Developed by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock
In the early days of the casino application process, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen was in talks with Hard Rock to develop a casino near Citi Field. More recently, in November 2023, they unveiled a detailed proposal for Metropolitan Park, a 50-acre sports and entertainment complex across the street from the stadium. It includes a Hard Rock-run hotel, casino, and performance venue as well as new restaurants and bars, including a Queens-themed food hall. It also calls for public improvements like new green space, a renovated transit station, and solar panels on structured parking. However, in addition to getting the casino license, they would also need permission to build on the parking lot, which The City notes is technically parkland.
Condos with Game Rooms
15 Hudson Yards (Related)
In its bid for a Hudson Yards casino (see above), Related touted its proximity to the Javits Center. However, there is already an ultra-exclusive club room for residents of 15 Hudson Yards. It offers billiards tables, card tables, a large-screen television, and spectacular views of the skyline and the Hudson River.
Fifteen Hudson Yards, #77A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
254 Park Avenue South (CityRealty)
Game room (Compass)
When the Neo-Classical building at the corner of East 20th Street was reimagined into residences, the historic limestone facade was restored while the interiors were redone with modern interiors and spacious layouts. The basement-level game room includes a pool table and a poker table.
254 Park Avenue South, #12DG
$4,750,000 (-4.9%)
Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,150 ft2
254 Park Avenue South, #12DG (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
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Brooklyn Point (Extell)
Brooklyn Point is well positioned near 11 subway lines, allowing for easy access to popular New York attractions. However, 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities under one roof make leaving the building optional. They include a game room with a poker table, pool table, and big-screen TV.
Brooklyn Point, #66C (Serhant LLC)
Rentals
20 availabilities from $5,400/month
Up to 2.5 months free rent on select residences
Up to 2.5 months free rent on select residences
On the Far West Side waterfront, residents of the condo and rental units alike have access to The Waterline Club, the 100,000+ square-foot amenity space at the heart of Waterline Square. It includes a card parlor with dedicated poker table.
Waterline Square Luxury Rentals, #704
$8,169
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Rental | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 832 ft2
Waterline Square Luxury Rentals, #704 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
14 availabilities from $3,915/month
$1,000 security deposits for qualified applicants
$1,000 security deposits for qualified applicants
The Eugene (Brookfield Properties)
Manhattan West rental The Eugene is located one block east of Hudson Yards. The Hudson Club at the top of the building offers a similarly luxurious atmosphere with a piano lounge, poker table, separate game table, fireplace, and spectacular city views.
The Eugene, #24M (Brookfield Properties)
From the Listing: Designed by RW Studio, a division of Roman and Williams, this unit features southeast corner exposure, 10’ ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, large living area, wood flooring throughout, windowed kitchen with breakfast bar, premium finishes, and stainless steel appliances. See floor plan and full details here.
The Set (Related)
With its furnished apartments, unparalleled services, and penthouse-level amenities, The Set blurs the line between residential building and five-star hotel. Residents-only social club includes The Set Club, which in turn comes with a poker table in the game room. Players can order food and drinks from the resident-only restaurant run by chef Dan Kluger.
The Set, #PH2G (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
2 availabilities from $3,750/month
$1,000 security deposit for qualified applicants
$1,000 security deposit for qualified applicants
VIA 57 WEST (The Durst Organization)
While Waterline Square (see above) was still on the drawing board, the Bjarke Ingels-designed VIA 57 WEST transformed the Far West Side residential landscape with its imaginative design and extensive amenities. In addition to the game room with pool, shuffleboard, and foosball tables, there is a dedicated poker room.
VIA 57 WEST, #2352 (The Durst Organization)
From the Listing: Designed by award-winning Bjarke Ingles Group, VIA 57 WEST offers a range of studio, one, two, three, and four-bedroom residences, many with private terraces. Spacious apartments, expansive amenities and a lush private resident courtyard balance the vibrant energy of Manhattan with the tranquility of nature, creating an iconic and visual gateway to New York. Unparalleled amenities, sophisticated fitness facilities, a 25-yard pool, and a central garden oasis enhance the living experience and wellbeing of VIA residents. See floor plan and full details here.
Jackson Park (Tishman Speyer)
At the heart of three-building complex, The Club at Jackson Park offers five stories of premium amenities. The entertainment offerings include a poker and gaming room as well as a billiards lounge and sports simulator.
Jackson Park, #17H (Tishman Speyer)
From the Listing: This elegant west-facing three-bedroom residence overlooks the park and features an in-unit washer/dryer, white desert oak flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, solar shades, LED lighting and more. The kitchen includes a gas range, dishwasher, custom cabinetry, under cabinet lighting and Ceasarstone counters. The primary suite features a large closet and four-fixture bathroom with double vanity and a tri-view mirror with storage. See floor plan and full details here.
5Pointz (MNS)
When 5Pointz was initially announced, it drew attention for the street art destination it replaced. Since then, though, residents have been drawn to its convenient location, well-thought apartments, and 90,000-square-foot amenities package that includes a game room with poker and pool tables, big-screen TVs, and a video arcade.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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