In a surprising move, the New York Gaming Commission announced today that they will be extending the deadline for casino license applications in the state. The original deadline was set for March 15th, but due to overwhelming interest from potential developers, the commission has decided to push the deadline back to April 15th.
The decision to extend the deadline comes after a record number of applications were received in the first few weeks of the application process. Sources within the commission have stated that they were caught off guard by the incredibly high level of interest in building new casinos in New York.
“This is a great problem to have,” said commission spokesperson, Sarah Johnson. “We never expected this level of interest in developing new casinos in the state. We want to make sure that all potential developers have the opportunity to submit their applications and be considered for a license.”
The extension of the deadline has sparked excitement among developers who were rushing to meet the original deadline. Many see this as an opportunity to take their time and perfect their applications, increasing their chances of being selected for a license.
New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, has been a vocal supporter of expanding casino gaming in the state as a way to create jobs and boost revenue. The decision to extend the application deadline is seen as a positive step towards achieving those goals.
“We want to make sure that we are giving every potential developer a fair chance to present their proposals,” said Governor Cuomo in a statement. “Extending the deadline will allow for a more thorough review process and ensure that we are selecting the best possible projects for our state.”
The extension of the deadline has also raised questions about the potential impact on existing casinos in the state. Some worry that the addition of new casinos could cannibalize business from the established casinos, while others see it as an opportunity to attract more visitors to New York.
Overall, the decision to extend the deadline for casino license applications in New York has been met with both excitement and concern. It remains to be seen how this will impact the future of gaming in the state, but one thing is certain – the competition for a casino license in New York has never been fiercer.