Mayor Eric Adams’ Indictment Raises New York Casino Questions

The race for three New York casino licenses just took a sharp turn.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bribery, fraud and soliciting foreign campaign donations, according to documents unsealed on Thursday.

Adams, a Democrat, plays a key role in the casino application review process. Though he does not have the final say, he is in charge of supplying key information that is sent to the state’s Gaming Facility Board.

More on the indictment

According to official documents, an investigation into Adams began in 2021 during the time he served as the Brooklyn Borough President. The investigation continued after he became mayor on January 1, 2022.

The case revolves around Adams’ alleged connection to the Turkish government. The documents suggest he conspired with the Turks and accepted illegal foreign campaign contributions in exchange for acting on their interests.

The indictment also claims that Adams “sought and accepted improper valuable benefits” since at least 2014, the year he was elected president of the borough.

“This was a multiyear scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise: Eric Adams,” said Damian Williams, a U.S. attorney for the New York Southern District. “Year after year, he kept the public in the dark.”

Adams said that he would not resign in light of the allegations and asked the public to wait to hear his defense.

The U.S. Department of Justice is handling the case, which could result in a maximum prison sentence of 45 years.

Effect on the casino process

So, what does this mean for the New York casino timeline? The answer is unclear.

Casino license bidders have until June 27, 2025 to submit their bids to the New York State Gaming Commission. Adams is a member of a Community Advisory Committee that vets the application, evaluates public sentiment, and supplies a report with their findings. 

Adams also has political power over areas related to the casino development process. In November 2023, he submitted a proposal to expedite zoning reviews “to allow gaming facilities as a permitted use in certain commercial districts… and manufacturing districts.”

Casino bidders include Jay-Z’s led Roc Nation group, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, who donated millions to a pro-Adams super PAC (per the New York Post), Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, and other influential businesspeople and gaming companies.

If Adams steps down as mayor, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would be next in line. His stance on casinos is unclear.

Following Williams would be Comptroller Brad Lander, who will seek the mayor’s office in 2025 regardless of what happens to Adams.