Saratoga Casino Holdings, The Chickasaw Nation, and Legends are joining Thor Equities' bid to propose a comprehensive casino, hotel and entertainment property in Coney Island, New York.
New York plans to issue three downstate casino licenses over the next few months. If awarded a license, Coney Island's economy will be able to offer more than just an amusement park.
Saratoga Casino Holdings CEO Sam Gerrity commented: "My family has done business in New York for generations, including opening the first non-tribal casino in 2004 which has contributed over $1.2bn to New York State education.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Thor Equities Group, LLC and Global Gaming Solutions, LLC, two world-class organizations, to bring a community-friendly gaming and entertainment venue to Coney Island."
The group opened its first non-tribal racino back in 2004 and has since expanded from New York to Colorado and Mississippi.
Saratoga Casino Holdings operates 175,000 square feet of casino space with over 2,100 slot machines, table games, a poker room and two sportsbooks. It also offers entertainment venues including restaurants and nightclubs.
Global Gaming Solutions is one of The Chickasaw Nation's business entities, operating over 25,000 electronic games. The business portfolio of The Chickasaw Nation includes the WinStar World Casino and Resort, the largest casino in the world.
Global Gaming Board Chairman Bill Lance added: "We currently enjoy an excellent strategic partnership with Legends at our flagship property WinStar World Casino and Resort.
"Our investment and involvement in this project reflect a desire to expand that relationship and extend it to additional strategic partners in Thor and Saratoga."
Legends is the entertainment partner for this venture, boasting 30 years of experience in the market. The company was originally founded as a joint venture between the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys.
Legends Global Planning President Bill Rhoda said: "Legends is proud to work with Thor Equities and our gaming partners Saratoga Casino and The Chickasaw Nation to provide our operational and experiential expertise to bring the preeminent resort casino in New York to Coney Island."
All partners involved have committed to working with local institutions, to create a job training program with a focus on hospitality and gaming.
