Hell’s Kitchen Casino Divides Public Opinion at Hearing
Public opinion still appears to be divided on the question of a new casino and hotel complex in Hell’s Kitchen based on the evidence of a public hearing this week.
Developers behind the plan for the New York casino pitched their proposal, which is backed by Silverstein Properties, Rush Street Gaming, and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment, for a $10 billion facility called The Avenir that would include a 1,000-room Hyatt hotel, a dozen restaurants, a food hall, and a casino that would occupy about 12% of the footprint.
The hearing was conducted by the six-member Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which was appointed by city and state officials. They heard developers state that the project would create thousands of jobs, and billions in tax revenue as well as 2,000 new apartments.
“This is a community we care deeply about. Our site is fully zoned and shovel-ready. There is no converting, tearing down, rezoning, or moving tenants around that’s required. It’s an empty lot in a low-density area. This area of the west side needs the economic drivers to further transform this neighborhood, activating it with more vibrant life and commerce, all of which brings more safety,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Silverstein Properties, Lisa Silverstein.
Union representatives, business groups, and many residents spoke in support, but not everyone was convinced. Some residents warned of traffic hazards, questioned the impact on local schools, and argued that casinos drain rather than strengthen communities. Others raised concerns about safety for children, local congestion, and the risk of losing small businesses.
The Avenir is one of eight bids competing for three coveted downstate licenses. The casino must secure a two-thirds vote from the CAC to advance to the state Gaming Facility Location Board, which will decide on licenses late this year or early in 2026.
To date, New York has only had upstate brick-and-mortar casinos, and does not have a legal real money online casino market.
Statewide casino revenues continue to rise
While developers compete for a foothold in New York City, the state’s existing commercial casinos are reporting steady gains. Gross gaming revenue (GGR) was up 6% year-over-year in July, reaching $60.6 million compared to $57.2 million last year.
Slot machines accounted for the bulk of earnings with $45.1 million, while table games brought in $14.3 million, and poker just under $1 million. Each of the state’s four commercial casinos saw year-over-year growth, led by Rivers Casino and Resort, which posted $19.5 million in revenue, a 12.5% increase. Del Lago Resort climbed 6.8%, Tioga Downs rose 2.7%, and Resorts World Catskills reported a modest 0.7% increase.
The growth underscores the stakes of the ongoing licensing process, and with several high profile bids competing, the battle for licenses is expected to shape the city’s economic and entertainment landscape for decades to come.
