The last standing proposal for a casino in Manhattan was rejected as the battle for one of three downstate casino licenses intensifies in New York City.

Bally's proposal for a casino in The Bronx remains among five contenders vying for three licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission. The “Freedom Plaza” proposed for Midtown Manhattan near the United Nations was shut down in a 4 to 2 vote by a state appointed Community Advisory Committee. Two other casino proposals in Hudson Yards and Times Square were also rejected last week.

The plan would transform the pre-existing Bally's Links golf course and banquet hall into a state-of-the-art casino near Ferry Point Park.

Bally's answered to amendments last week from the Community Advisory Committee, agreeing to increase their community investment package for projects and organizations in the East Bronx to $12.5 million or 1% of its annual gross gaming revenue once the facility opens. They also included $3 million annually toward transit funding within the Community Benefits Agreement.

As for workforce, Bally's says their target is to hire 70% of employees from The Bronx and underserved communities.

"Bally’s is committed to being fully engaged with all stakeholders and government leaders to ensure that as many Bronx residents as possible are eligible to become employees at Bally’s Bronx," the organization wrote in their response to the CAC.

The Community Advisory Committee has until Sept. 30 to vote on the proposal. The state gaming commission expects to award the casino licenses by the end of 2025.