There’s been a lot of chatter about casinos coming to downstate New York. While the proposals are scattered in locations throughout the area, there is one clear choice: Manhattan. As a truly world-class destination, Manhattan is where the world comes to do business, experience unmatched culture, and seize unparalleled opportunities to live life to the fullest.
While developers ramp up their awareness-building campaigns in advance of the application process beginning later this spring, now is the time for an honest conversation about what’s truly at stake. If we exclude Manhattan from this once-in-a-generation opportunity, we’re not just missing out, we’re setting the State of New York up for a long-term economic misfire.
Several transformative casino proposals in Manhattan are on the table. These projects have the potential to create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in both upfront and ongoing revenue for the city and state, fundamentally reshaping our local economy.
A report by the Spectrum Gaming Group, commissioned a few years ago by New York State, examined the potential impact of casinos in the region. The findings were clear: Manhattan would deliver the most significant long-term benefits. The study also confirmed that while upgrading the existing racinos in Queens and Yonkers to include table games may create a quick revenue stream, it simply cannot match the monumental economic impact a new casino in Manhattan could bring.
And the timing could not be more critical.
New York State faces an uncertain fiscal future. The MTA is navigating a deep budget gap. Congestion pricing and federal transportation funding remain in limbo, and inflation and tariffs are putting pressure on households and businesses alike. Albany is expected to pass a placeholder budget this month, with the understanding that legislators will need to return in the fall to address looming shortfalls.
I have the deepest respect for my colleagues in the outer boroughs who are advocating passionately for their communities, but in this context, the mandate for the downstate casino process is clear: generate maximum revenue and long-term economic impact. And while there are valuable elements to the casino proposals across the region, only Manhattan can deliver the kind of transformational, billion-dollar investment that the state urgently needs.
At the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, we work every day to support small businesses and advocate for smart growth. We see firsthand how bold, strategic investments can lift entire neighborhoods—and how missed opportunities can leave us playing catch-up for decades.
The decision ahead is about choosing a path that leads to real and lasting prosperity. New York needs a destination casino that drives billions in economic activity, generates enthusiasm from local and global patrons, creates thousands of jobs, and positions us for long-term success. That kind of impact can only happen in Manhattan.
Now is the time to go all in. The smartest bet New York can make is placing at least one of the casino licenses in the heart of Manhattan.
Jessica Walker is the president & CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
