Wynn Resorts walks away from New York casino licence race
Wynn Resorts has officially withdrawn from its bid for a casino licence in New York City, despite gaining approval for its Hudson Yards proposal from the City Planning Commission in April 2025.
Issuing a statement, the company said, “After careful consideration, we have decided not to lodge an application for a gaming license in New York City.”
“The recent rezoning process has made it clear to us that there are uses for our capital more accretive to our shareholders, such as investment in our existing and upcoming developments and stock buy backs, than investing in an area in which we, or any casino operator, will face years of persistent opposition despite our willingness to employ 5,000 New Yorkers.”
Despite its decision to exit the New York market, Wynn expressed continued support for its development partner and the broader Hudson Yards project. It said, “We sincerely thank those who have supported our efforts, including our partners at Related Companies, and continue to believe that their proposed Hudson Yards West development is an outstanding opportunity for New York City.”
Wynn’s announcement came shortly after New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher publicly stated that he could not support the Related Companies’ $12-billion Hudson Yards casino proposal. Bottcher said, “This casino proposal did not meet the high bar of community support that such a consequential project demands.”
The project faced strong criticism and was unanimously rejected by Community Board 4 in January 2025. Local groups also opposed the development, raising concerns that the casino tower would obstruct views and negatively impact the neighbourhood.
Wynn and Related’s original plan featured an 80-story rose gold hotel and gaming tower, along with office buildings, apartments, and a 5.6-acre park.
Plans for Hudson Yards move forward
On Wynn’s exit, Related Companies and Oxford Properties, which own the site, are now revising their plans. The new proposal will no longer include a casino. Instead, it will feature an office tower and potentially a hotel on the north side, said a spokesperson from Related.
The updated plan includes up to 4,000 housing units—mostly rental—with at least 400 designated as affordable. The public green space has been expanded to 6.6 acres, and the podiums planned over the rail yards will have reduced height and density.
The revised project is advancing through the city’s uniform land use review procedure, where council members, including Bottcher, will vote on the proposed zoning and land use modifications.
Bottcher said, “The Western Rail Yards plan remains a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver thousands of housing units and other benefits.”
Casino race continues without Wynn
Wynn Resorts was one of several companies competing for one of three downstate New York casino licences. Las Vegas Sands and Saks Global have also withdrawn. Other contenders, including Soloviev Group and Steve Cohen, are continuing with their bids. Applications are due by 27 June, with a final decision expected by 1 December.
