Wynn NYC Casino Proposal Sparks Concerns Among Small Businesses in Manhattan

New York, NY – Plans for a potential casino hotel in New York City’s Hudson Yards area are generating significant anxiety among local small business owners. Related Companies, in partnership with Wynn Resorts, is seeking a license to develop a casino resort within the Chelsea neighborhood. While proponents highlight potential economic benefits, many entrepreneurs fear the development could negatively impact their livelihoods and the unique character of the area.

The proposed casino project is part of Related Companies’ broader expansion of the Western Rail Yards. However, this ambition has faced considerable resistance from local business owners who believe it poses a direct threat to the existing commercial landscape. Fathy Rady, owner of a Halal cart in Chelsea, and Robert Sanfiz, proprietor of La Nacional Spanish restaurant on 14th Street, recently voiced these concerns in an opinion piece published in AMNY.

Concerns Over Economic Impact

Rady and Sanfiz acknowledge the desire for urban development and economic growth but argue that the current casino proposal is detrimental to the small businesses that define Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. They emphasize that while some casino proposals can actually benefit surrounding businesses by attracting more foot traffic to restaurants, vendors, and other local establishments, the Wynn casino’s design as a self-contained ecosystem could lead to a decline in business for existing shops and eateries.

This concern is particularly poignant given the ongoing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses in the area are still working to regain lost ground, and the influx of customers to a large casino resort might divert patronage away from local establishments. The potential loss of residential development due to the casino project further exacerbates these worries.

The situation echoes broader debates surrounding the numerous applications for the three downstate casino licenses currently under consideration. While approximately 10 proposals are vying for approval, many local business owners express a preference against having a gaming venue within their neighborhoods.

Examples of Casino Proposals and Local Business Impact

The article highlights the Caesars Entertainment proposal for a casino in Times Square as an example of a project that aims to incentivize guests to explore nearby restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues. This strategy contrasts with the potential negative impact of the Wynn casino, which is perceived as isolating its visitors within the resort complex.

Community Opposition and Future Prospects

Opposition to the Related/Wynn plan has been largely peaceful but vocal, with support from community groups like Protect The High Line and local civic organizations. Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine have both publicly stated their disapproval of the project.

However, the fate of the project ultimately rests with the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC). If the City Council and Mayor Eric Adams advocate for Hudson Yards as an ideal location, the Related/Wynn proposal could gain favor within the NYSGC’s rankings. The commission will then submit potential casino locations to the NYSGC for final approval.

In response, Rady and Sanfiz are urging fellow business owners and residents to actively oppose the Hudson Yards casino plan. This includes engaging in letter-writing campaigns, utilizing social media platforms, and testifying at public hearings to make their voices heard by city leaders. The goal is to demonstrate that the development will harm, rather than help, the community.

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Conclusion

The proposed casino resort in Hudson Yards has ignited a debate about the potential impact of such developments on local small businesses. While economic growth is generally welcomed, concerns remain about the potential displacement of customers and the disruption to the existing commercial ecosystem. The voices of business owners and community members will be crucial in shaping the future of this project as it moves towards the final decision by the New York State Gaming Commission.

Categories: Blog

Keywords: casino, New York City, small business, Hudson Yards, Wynn Resorts, Related Companies, gaming license, economic impact, community opposition.

A’s to Sell Priority Access to 2028 Las Vegas Season Tickets

Corey Levitan

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The Athletics are offering priority access to season tickets for their 2028 season, beginning this Friday. This marks a significant step in the team’s journey towards its new home in Las Vegas, a $1.75 billion stadium being built on the site of the former Tropicana casino hotel.

A New Era for the Athletics

The 2028 season is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the A’s as they finally establish their presence in Las Vegas. For the next three seasons, however, the team will call West Sacramento, California, home. This makes them the first major-league team in baseball history to intentionally avoid incorporating their temporary playing location into their team name. The organization has consciously decided to focus on its future in Las Vegas rather than dwell on their time in Sacramento.

The announcement of priority access for season tickets, rather than the tickets themselves, went on sale this week. Tickets are priced at $19.01, a nod to the team’s founding year in Philadelphia – 1901. This strategic move allows fans to secure their spot in line for future ticket purchases.

Stadium Construction and the Team’s Identity

Construction on the new 33-acre site, encompassing nine acres of the former Tropicana casino hotel property, is scheduled to begin in April. The $1.75 billion ballpark will have a seating capacity of 33,000 fans. The team’s decision to not include “Sac” in their name during the three-year transition reflects a deliberate effort to maintain focus on their future home and build anticipation for the Las Vegas experience.

This is an unusual strategy. It raises questions about whether the team is attempting to distance itself from any perceived association with the minor leagues, or perhaps focusing resources on other aspects of the team’s development. The decision has generated considerable discussion among fans and sports analysts alike.

Priority Access Details

Fans can register for priority access at athletics.com/vegas starting Friday, March 7th at 9 a.m. Priority will be granted to current season ticket holders for both the A’s and the Las Vegas Aviators (their minor league affiliate), as well as all residents of Clark County, Nevada. This ensures that loyal fans and local community members have the first opportunity to purchase season tickets when they become available.

The A’s will play their first home game of the season on March 31st against the Chicago Cubs while sharing Sutter Health Park with the Sacramento River Cats of the Pacific Coast League. This shared venue arrangement underscores the temporary nature of the team’s location and reinforces the focus on their future in Las Vegas.

Key Facts About the A’s Relocation

• New Stadium Cost: $1.75 billion
• Stadium Capacity: 33,000 seats
• Relocation Year: 2028
• Temporary Location: Sacramento, California (3 seasons)
• Team Name Strategy: Avoiding incorporation of the temporary location in the team name.

The A’s relocation is more than just a change of scenery; it represents a new chapter for the franchise, with significant implications for fan engagement, community building, and the team’s long-term success.

Conclusion

The Athletics’ decision to offer priority access to season tickets marks a crucial step in their transition to Las Vegas. By prioritizing loyal fans and local residents, the team aims to build excitement and anticipation for their new home. This strategic move, coupled with the ongoing construction of the $1.75 billion stadium, signals a clear commitment to a bright future in the city of lights. The team’s approach to maintaining its identity during the temporary relocation further emphasizes the long-term vision for the franchise.

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Categories: Blog

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Atlantic City Heater Continues, August Casino Revenue Climbs Six Percent to $311.9 Million

Key Highlights:

• Atlantic City had its best summer in more than a decade
• Casino revenue continues to surge, with the nine properties winning almost $2 billion in 2025 through August

Atlantic City casinos have achieved remarkable success this summer, marking their strongest performance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nine gaming properties in the area collectively earned approximately $855 million from their physical slot machines and table games.

August concluded the unofficial summer season on a high note, with in-person gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the month rising by 6.1% to exceed $311.9 million. This figure not only represents the city’s best monthly revenue since the pandemic but also indicates the closing of the best summer for the Atlantic City gaming market in over ten years.

Notably, the physical casino revenue rose 5.5% compared to the same three-month period in 2024.

All nine casinos reported a positive trend, with increases in either slot or table game wins; five casinos enjoyed growth in both. This combination of competitive gaming options along with premier in-person experiences created a memorable summer, positioning Atlantic City well for the upcoming fall season, said James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

This year’s year-to-date statistics show that in-person casino revenue is up 2.8% through August, equating to over $53.2 million more than the previous year.

Atlantic City Comeback

It’s evident that Atlantic City is back on the map. The revival has been anticipated by Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey and Resorts Casino Hotel, who cited the decreasing gas prices and the city’s value proposition as key factors attracting visitors up and down the East Coast.

“We’re really perceived as a value,” Giannantonio noted. “Our restaurants provide a high-quality experience for the prices compared to New York or Philadelphia.”

The value offered by the city’s nine casinos is attracting patrons, leading to positive results for most resorts. By the end of August 2025, all but four of the casinos recorded an increase in their in-person gross gaming revenue. The total winnings exceeded $1.97 billion, although Bally’s (-8.7%), Caesars (-3.1%), Golden Nugget (-9%), and Tropicana (-1.8%) were the exceptions with year-over-year declines.

Following Borgata, Harrah’s secured the fourth position with $156.8 million (+3.2%), Tropicana followed closely at $153.1 million, while Caesars obtained sixth at $142.8 million. Resorts’ revenue reached $109.5 million (0.4%). Conversely, Golden Nugget and Bally’s recorded the lowest GGR, at $94.4 million and $91.7 million, respectively.

Sports Betting Dropoff

Online gaming in New Jersey continues to be beneficial for Atlantic City and its interactive partners. iGaming revenue spiked by 25% in August, reaching $248.3 million, with year-to-date online casino revenue surpassing $1.88 billion, showing a climbing trend of 23.5% from the previous year.

FanDuel, in partnership with Golden Nugget, leads the iGaming market in New Jersey, achieving a year-to-date GGR of $415.8 million. DraftKings, partnered with Resorts, follows behind with $371 million.

However, oddsmakers have reported a 1% decline in earnings from sports bettors throughout the year. Betting activity is down, as total handle—the total amount wagered both online and in-person—declines from more than $8.11 billion to $7.52 billion, indicating a 7.3% drop in betting activity, with the cause yet to be determined.

This summer’s surge in casino revenue demonstrates the resilience of Atlantic City’s gaming market and hints at promising prospects as the city gears up for the fall season.

Reform Alliance Hosts Charity Gala at Ocean Casino Atlantic City

• The Reform Alliance hosted its Casino Night & Gala, raising around $20 million for criminal justice reform.
• This star-studded event took place at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City on September 13.

The Reform Alliance’s second annual Casino Night & Gala in Atlantic City once again proved to be a resounding success. The event brought together celebrities, philanthropists, and business leaders, all united in a shared cause to enhance criminal justice reform.

Following the inaugural event in 2023, this year’s gala on September 13 attracted even more attendees due to its noble cause and the impressive lineup of activities planned for the evening. Designed to gather donations for vital reform initiatives, the gala succeeded in raising approximately $20 million, which will be allocated directly to furthering criminal justice reform efforts.

Founded in 2019 by notable figures including Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Robert Kraft, and Michael Rubin, the Reform Alliance focuses on transforming parole and probation systems. Celebrities and business leaders flew in from various states to participate in the auction, casino games, and other charity activities.

“Our second edition of the Casino Night at Ocean Casino Resort was truly unforgettable. The funds raised will support our Work Matters initiative, connecting previously incarcerated individuals with job opportunities and furthering community stability through our grant programs,” expressed a spokesperson for the organization.

In previous years, the gala had achieved even higher fundraising totals, with the 2023 event raising $24 million. Through the Work Matters initiative, the organization enlightens businesses on the importance of offering second chances to individuals with complex backgrounds.

An Evening Full of Stars

The gala was a star-studded affair, featuring many celebrities and influential business figures, including Beyoncé, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, and many others. Jay-Z, French Montana, and Tyrese Haliburton were also present, participating in the blackjack tournament. Comedian Kevin Hart served as the master of ceremonies.

The event included electrifying performances by The Weeknd, Travis Scott, Ice Spice, Quavo, GloRilla, and Chasie C, who entertained the guests late into the night. One of the most moving moments of the evening came from Jameen Severe, who shared his poignant story of overcoming challenges related to a technical violation of probation. Jameen emphasized how the Reform Alliance had helped him find stability in life and reintegrate into the workforce.

“Jameen’s story resonated deeply with the audience as he illustrated how a technical violation almost derailed his future. Thanks to a law championed by the Reform Alliance, he was able to reclaim his life. Today, he works as a coordinator in film and television at RocNation and is a devoted father to his two-year-old son,” the organization proudly noted.

Exclusive Auction Items

In addition to the funds raised from casino games, the gala also featured a lucrative auction of luxury items. Among the highlights was a round of golf with Tom Brady at Grove XXIII, which fetched an astonishing $1.8 million. Another noteworthy item was a painting by George Condo, purchased for $3.4 million by Michael Rubin. A private concert by Megan Thee Stallion sold for $600,000, and a piece by the artist Rashid Johnson was auctioned for $1.8 million.

The event was not only a celebration of philanthropy but also showcased the power of community and celebrity involvement in facilitating social change. With significant donations raised and compelling stories shared, it was a night of impact and inspiration, reinforcing the need for ongoing reform in the criminal justice system.

In conclusion, the Reform Alliance’s Casino Night & Gala at Ocean Casino was not just an extravagant evening filled with entertainment; it was a crucial platform for raising awareness and funding to reshape the future of criminal justice. With the ongoing support from the community and prominent figures alike, the organization aims to continue driving real change in the systems that govern parole and probation.

Lost Vegas: 5 Design Details You Didn’t Notice Go Away

The Las Vegas Strip is always changing, often in ways that stay unseen by the average visitor. While many might notice the major transformations, such as the ever-shifting casino brands or the rise of digital billboards, it’s the less obvious design elements that fade away almost unnoticed. These subtle alterations can often evoke a sense of loss, as many once-popular attractions and public spaces are removed or altered for profit. Here, we explore five such design details that have vanished from the Las Vegas landscape.

1. New York-New York’s Fireboat

When New York-New York first opened in 1997, a faux fireboat graced the moat at the well-known landmark, shooting arcs of water in front of the majestic replicas of the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. This installation wasn’t just a fountain; it turned into a poignant memorial for firefighters after 9/11, with thousands of tributes left by visiting tourists.

Despite its sentimental significance, the fireboat was removed in mid-2013 as MGM Mirage executives believed it to be outdated and not profitable enough. The space now houses the entrance to Hershey’s Chocolate World, which opened as part of the expanded pedestrian area.

2. Luxor’s Luminosity

Initially, the Luxor’s beam of light at dusk shone with incredible intensity, touted as the world’s brightest light source, thanks to 39 xenon lights generating an astounding 42.3 billion candela. However, since 2008, the light has been dimmed by half as part of an energy-saving initiative by MGM Resorts. Although the intention was to save money discreetly, many locals and tourists have remarked they barely noticed the dimming. Even now, the light remains an iconic feature of Las Vegas nightlife.

3. Forum Shops’ Dawn-to-Dusk Lighting

When the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace first opened their doors, patrons were treated to an enchanting ceiling that simulated the transition from dawn to dusk every hour. This spectacular lighting system relied on a complex network of color-changing fixtures. By the late 2000s, however, many of its components became obsolete and costly to maintain.

Many retailers within the Forum Shops lobbied for the light display’s removal, claiming it made their stores less visible. Consequently, the sunset-at-noon effect was discontinued, leaving the Forum Shops trapped in an endless afternoon ambiance.

4. Bellagio Conservatory’s Animatronics

The enchanting Bellagio Conservatory was once known for its whimsical animatronic characters, including butterflies, owls, and ladybugs that added to its floral displays’ charm. However, as the motors failed over time, repairs became costly and inconvenient, leading to their gradual removal from the environment.

Despite being freely accessible, maintenance for these delicate creatures fell under the marketing budget. Consequently, from 2010 to 2018, efforts shifted to cutting back on such expenditures instead of cuts to marketing roles, leading to a more static but economically efficient display.

5. Public Seating

Until the 1990s, visitors to the Strip could rest on benches, shaded alcoves, and planter edges as they wandered. However, a shift in policy by many casino operators began featuring outdoor cafés, which led to the removal of most public seating, all in the quest to drive customers inside where they can spend money.

This gradual decline also served a dual purpose – reducing the potential for public disturbances from the homeless and ensuring that the Strip encourages patrons to quickly enter the establishments rather than linger outside.

In conclusion, while Las Vegas continually captivates tourists with its glitzy attractions and vibrant casinos, the quiet disappearance of these subtle design elements enhances the reality that not everything remains as it seems. As ‘Lost Vegas’ unfolds, the focus shines on the forgotten elements of the city’s landscape, prompting us to appreciate the intricate details that often go unnoticed amid this vibrant playground.