Staten Island Official Thinks The Borough Can Be Home To A NY Casino

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella wants the NY State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) to consider Staten Island a viable location for a new casino. 

Currently, there are three Class III casino licenses up for grabs. Class III gaming comes with the ability to have slots, table games, and, license permitting, NY sports betting. 

Is Staten Island in consideration?

“Staten Island is one of the few places that doesn’t have any type of gambling in the downstate area,” Fossella said during a press conference. 

“We just think that this is one of those areas that should be considered a destination point. Just envision a casino here, perhaps a hotel in the likes of the Mohegan Sun where people can come on a day like today and enjoy the views, enjoy the vistas. Just enjoy what’
s behind us,” he said. 

Fossella said he hasn’t spoken with the proper government agencies needed to approve a casino at the New York Wheel site. Such agencies include the New York City Economic Development Corporation, which owns the Wheel site, and the state gaming commission. 

The Wheel site project was intended to be the world’s tallest observation wheel. Unfortunately, the project was scrapped in 2018. The site, with a marquee view of the New York skyline, remains undeveloped.

Available NY casino licenses

Earlier this year, the NYSGC approved three Class III licenses to create three full-service casinos. Each license holder will be able to host poker, slot machines, table games and retail sports betting in the downstate region. 

Shortly after, Las Vegas Sands CEO Rob Goldstein said the company remains interested in the possibility of operating a NY casino.

NY Mayor Eric Adams has openly lobbied for New York City to receive at least two of the licenses. 

Some of the locations under consideration include:

• The Water Club in Kips Bay
• Times Square
• Saks Fifth Avenue in midtown
• near Citi Field in Queens

NYC is home to two Class II casinos, MGM Empire City and Resorts World Casino. Experts anticipate these two properties are at the top of the list for two of the licenses. Both MGM and Resorts World can become Class III facilities if selected. 

Although Staten Island isn’t out of the running, to realistically be considered, a significant developer would need to be involved.