The 2025 Casino & Sports Betting Trailblazers in New York are at the forefront of the state’s expanding gambling industry. The upcoming bids for downstate casino licenses have drawn significant attention, especially in the bustling New York City metropolitan region. This untapped market has attracted numerous industry heavyweights, with up to a dozen bids initially in play.
As the deadline for bids approaches, some contenders are doubling down on their efforts, securing local support and necessary land use changes. If successful, the licenses could be awarded by the end of the year. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing expansion of gambling activities in New York, building on the long-standing presence of Native American tribes offering gambling on their lands and the authorization of upstate casinos over a decade ago.
The popularity of sports betting has also surged in New York, making it a hub for this sector. The Casino & Sports Betting Trailblazers list by City & State recognizes key players across the industry, from major casino bidders to public officials, lobbyists, lawyers, academics, and executives of tech and financial companies supporting the industry’s growth.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., chair of the Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, has been a vocal advocate for expediting the casino licensing process, particularly in Queens. Meanwhile, Albany veteran Mike Avella Jr. has been instrumental in efforts to bring a casino to the Citi Field parking lots.
Phil Boyle, President and CEO of Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. and Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, has leveraged his legislative background to lead significant expansion projects. Byron Brown, former mayor of Buffalo, has taken on new challenges as the President and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.
Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, is making waves with his casino ambitions, particularly with the Metropolitan Park proposal. Lloyd Danzig, Managing Partner of Sharp Alpha, brings essential financial backing to the industry, recently leading a major investment into Poolhouse.
The involvement of key figures like Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming, and Taryn Duffy, President and CEO of Tarsam Public Affairs, underscores the diverse expertise driving the industry’s growth. Legal experts like Daniel Etna, Partner at Herrick, Feinstein LLP, and James Featherstonhaugh, Partner at Featherstonhaugh, Clyne & McCardle, play crucial roles in navigating regulatory frameworks.
The impact of industry leaders such as Griffin Finan, Senior Vice President at DraftKings, and Brad Fischer, Of Counsel at Orrick, is evident in the expansion of online fantasy sports and mobile sports betting. Sam Gerrity, CEO of Saratoga Casino Holdings, is spearheading ambitious projects like The Coney casino proposal.
Howard Glaser, Global Head of Government Affairs at Light & Wonder, is driving efforts to legalize iGaming in multiple states, including New York. Melissa Gliatta, COO of Thor Equities, is a key figure behind The Coney bid, highlighting the collaborative efforts shaping the industry’s future.
These and many other trailblazers in the Casino & Sports Betting industry in New York are driving innovation, economic growth, and regulatory progress as the state’s gambling landscape continues to evolve.
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