WATCH: Casino News Roundup - May 20, 2025

Our news reporter, Alan Evans, brings you the latest news from the casino industry on May 20, 2025. 

Can't watch right now? Here's the full transcript:

"It’s Tuesday, May 20. This is your Casino News Roundup.

"The proposed Freedom Plaza casino in Midtown Manhattan, a project by Soloviev Group and Mohegan, aims to give up to 12% of its initial public offerings to local New Yorkers, allowing residents to own a piece of the development.

"Located near the United Nations, the complex would feature a casino, two residential towers with more than 1,300 apartments, including affordable housing, hotels, entertainment venues, and outdoor parks.

"Despite its ambitious plans, the project has faced local opposition, including a recent vote against streamlined approval. Bids for the three downstate casino licenses are due by June 27, with the winners to be announced by the end of the year amid stiff competition from other proposals across the region.

"Caesars Palace has discreetly reopened a temporary eight-table poker room in the Appian Way shopping area, operating 24 hours a day without any formal announcement or grand opening.

"The new space, which follows the trend of relocating poker rooms off the main casino floor, features daily low-stakes no-limit hold ’em tournaments with higher buy-ins, offering a glimpse of renewed poker activity at the historic Las Vegas venue after nearly a year without a dedicated poker room.

"New Jersey lawmakers are proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize two new casinos — one at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and another at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport.

"The move responds to upcoming downstate casino licenses in New York City, aiming to bolster the state’s gaming industry and compete with New York’s expanding casino offerings, despite lingering opposition from Atlantic City officials and voters who previously rejected similar proposals.

"In a historic move, Major League Baseball has announced the posthumous removal of 17 individuals from its permanent ineligible list, including legendary figures Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, opening the door for their potential induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"Commissioner Rob Manfred explained that since these individuals are no longer living, they no longer pose a threat to the integrity of the game and noted that their on-field achievements, such as Jackson’s .375 World Series batting average and Rose’s status as MLB’s all-time hits leader, are now being considered alongside their past controversies.

"The process for Hall of Fame induction involves a committee vote, which could see Rose and Jackson join the Hall as early as 2028 if they receive enough support, marking a significant shift in baseball’s approach to its controversial history.

"And finally, following the successful International Casinos Day, we caught up with some of the leading names in the industry, from Alexandre Tomic, who gave a candid interview on his life and drive to improve the health of his employees, to Global Gaming Women’s inspirational Clemence Dujardin and Sasha Boerma.

"You can read all the interviews on our website at Casinos.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and sign up for all our special offers and free giveaways. Bye for now."