NY Casino Race Breaks Open: CAC Greenlights MGM Empire City & Resorts World; Bronx Vote Up Next
New York’s downstate casino sweepstakes just hit a decisive turn. Community Advisory Committees (CACs) voted this week to advance MGM’s Empire City (Yonkers) and Resorts World NYC (Queens)—key approvals required before the Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) can evaluate their applications. CAC approval needs a two-thirds vote and is a gating step before Board review; Bally’s Bronx bid faces its CAC decision on Monday, Sept. 29. Gaming Facility Location Board+4Covers.com+4iGB+4
The votes reshape a crowded field and push two racino conversion favorites closer to full casino licenses by year-end. Reports detail CAC approvals for MGM Empire City and Resorts World on Sept. 25, with Bronx’s timetable set and Brooklyn’s Coney Island plan under mounting doubt. The last mile still runs through the GFLB and the NYS Gaming Commission, but the path just got clearer for MGM and Resorts World. QNS+2QNS+2
💥 TRI-STATE HEAT
New York — CACs Advance Yonkers & Queens
CACs approved MGM Empire City and Resorts World NYC, allowing both proposals to move on to the Gaming Facility Location Board; Bally’s Bronx CAC vote is set for Sept. 29. CAC approval requires a two-thirds majority and comes ahead of final Board/Commission determinations. Gaming Facility Location Board+3Covers.com+3iGB+3
New Jersey — Meadowlands Owner Turns Up Heat
Jeff Gural said he won’t bid to keep the Hambletonian at the Meadowlands after 2026 and again pressed for a North Jersey casino, citing integrity concerns in harness racing and the need for new revenue. The push lands as lawmakers continue to float expansion beyond Atlantic City. Casino.org+1
Philadelphia/Pennsylvania — $1.05M Match 6 Ticket Sold
The Pennsylvania Lottery says a $1.05 million Match 6 jackpot ticket was sold in Greene County from the Sept. 26 drawing. The winner must claim within one year; the Lottery encourages players to check their tickets. Pennsylvania Lottery
🌍 GLOBAL GAMBLING BUZZ
Australia — Star Entertainment Gets Reprieve
Queensland deferred suspension of Star Entertainment’s Gold Coast casino license to Sept. 30, 2026, citing “steady progress” on remediation; oversight was extended through next year. Shares jumped on the news despite ongoing financial pressure. Reuters
Europe — Denmark’s July GGR Lifted by Online Casino
Denmark reported higher July gambling revenue, driven by online casino gains—continuing the continent-wide pattern of digital growth outpacing retail. iGB
Crypto/Prediction Markets — Novig Draws Suitors
Novig, a U.S. peer-to-peer prediction market, is attracting takeover interest—including from Kalshi and Polymarket—though formal offers remain unclear. Front Office Sports also reported outreach this week. Casino.org+1
🔮 HOROSCOPE HUSTLE (entertainment only)
Aries — Pick 3: 5-1-4 | Pick 4: 7-9-0-8
Taurus — Pick 3: 8-3-2 | Pick 4: 4-1-6-3
Gemini — Pick 3: 2-9-7 | Pick 4: 0-3-2-5
Cancer — Pick 3: 6-0-1 | Pick 4: 9-8-4-1
Leo — Pick 3: 3-4-0 | Pick 4: 2-7-5-9
Virgo — Pick 3: 9-2-8 | Pick 4: 6-0-1-7
Libra — Pick 3: 1-7-5 | Pick 4: 8-5-9-2
Scorpio — Pick 3: 0-6-3 | Pick 4: 5-4-7-0
Sagittarius — Pick 3: 7-8-6 | Pick 4: 1-2-6-8
Capricorn — Pick 3: 4-5-9 | Pick 4: 3-8-0-6
Aquarius — Pick 3: 2-1-0 | Pick 4: 7-6-3-4
Pisces — Pick 3: 8-9-4 | Pick 4: 4-9-2-1
Sources: Casino.org; iGaming Business; Reuters; QNS/Queens Eagle; Covers; New York State Gaming Commission/Gaming Facility Location Board; Pennsylvania Lottery. Pennsylvania Lottery+12QNS+12QNS+12
