Entities in the Capital District interested in
\nbuilding a new gambling casino — including
\nSaratoga Casino and raceway — have until June
\n30 to file the application with the state.<\/p>\n
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board
\non the last day of March approved the request
\nfor applications to develop and operate a gaming
\nfacility in New York state and opened the bidding
\nperiod for commercial casino applicants.<\/p>\n
“This marks the beginning of the bidding process
\nfor long-anticipated gaming facilities to benefit
\nUpstate New York,” said Facility Location Board
\nmember Paul Francis. “We look forward to reviewing
\nand evaluating the applications and will continue to
\nconduct an open, honest and transparent process.”
\nThe RFA, as mandated by the Upstate New York Gaming and Economic Development act, establishes minimum license fees for commercial casino licenses in each region and details how local support must be illustrated.<\/p>\n
The board said in a statement that as a condition of filing an application, each applicant must submit a resolution passed by the local legislative body of the host municipality supporting the application.<\/p>\n
“An applicant’s demonstration of local support in fulfillment of this initial requirement is only a component part of the 20 percent local impact and Siting Factors criteria to be used by the Facility Location Board in evaluating applications,” the board said. “in weighing local support and opposition under this criteria, the Facility Location Board will consider public statements and declarations, letters or resolutions from the host municipality, nearby local governments, private organizations, community, religious and civic groups, charitable organizations, entertainment venues, chambers of commerce, local businesses, labor organizations, etc.”<\/p>\n
Applicants are required to participate in an April 30 applicants conference, which will take place in the Capital region, be open to the public and streamed online, the board said.<\/p>\n
“This RFA was designed to attract bidders who are committed to realizing the highest impact and best value to New York state, the applicable region and host locality,” said board member Stuart Rabinowitz.<\/p>\n
“The measures and metrics contained within it are comprehensive and realistic and bring with it a commitment to integrity and responsible public policy.”<\/p>\n
“Gaming facility applicants now have a clear, concise and practical guide as they begin to construct bids,” said board member William Thompson.<\/p>\n
“Economic growth, good jobs and enhancement to the region and community are paramount to this effort and we look forward to seeing what bidders have to offer.”<\/p>\n
The RFA mandates a different minimum license fee for each region. For the Capital region, it is $50 million.<\/p>\n
The board determined that more research is required to establish appropriate minimum capital investment parameters for each region and said it would issue a determination within 10 days following the April 30 applicants conference.<\/p>\n
Pursuant to the law, the RFA also requires the following elements from applicants:<\/p>\n
\u2022 The location of the proposed gaming facility.
\n\u2022 The type and number of games to be conducted.
\n\u2022 Whether the facility is part of a regional or local economic plan.
\n\u2022 Identity of each person having a direct or indirect interest in the business.
\n\u2022 Submission of an independent audit report of all financial activities and interests.
\n\u2022 Proven financial stability by clear and convincing evidence.
\n\u2022 Information and documentation demonstrating sufficient business ability.
\n\u2022 Full descriptions of internal controls and security systems for the proposed gaming facility.
\n\u2022 Designs for the proposed gaming facility.
\n\u2022 Number of construction hours estimated to complete the work.
\n\u2022 Descriptions of the ancillary entertainment services and amenities to be provided.
\n\u2022 Number to be employed at the proposed gaming facility, including detailed information on the pay rate and benefits Applicants need completed studies and reports including:
\n\u2022 Economic benefits to the region and the state.
\n\u2022 Local and regional social, environmental, traffic and infrastructure impacts.
\n\u2022 Impact on the local and regional economy, cultural institutions and small businesses.
\n\u2022 Cost to the host municipality, nearby municipalities and the state for the proposed gaming facility to be located at the proposed location.
\n\u2022 Estimated state tax revenue to be generated by the gaming facility.<\/p>\n
More information about the casino siting process and the Gaming Facility Location Board may be found at swww.gaming.ny.gov\/gaming\/casinos.php<\/p>\n
The key dates for the process, the board said, is that June through August it will review and evaluate submissions. In early fall, the casino siting and operators will be formally announced.<\/p>\n
The Facility Location Board and the Gaming Commission both have independent authority to conduct public hearings concerning applicants for gaming facility licenses, as well as the overall conduct of gaming.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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