The upcoming Racing and Gaming Conference, set for August 11–14 at the Saratoga Hilton, will prominently feature the licensing of up to three new full-service casinos in Downstate New York. This significant topic will be addressed by Brian O’Dwyer, the chairman of the New York State Gaming Commission, who will speak on August 12 about the intricate regulatory and procedural landscape governing this emerging market in the global gaming sector.
After O’Dwyer’s remarks, a panel session titled “New York Panel – Morning Line on Downstate Licenses” will follow. Moderated by Patrick Brown, co-founder and partner emeritus at Brown & Weinraub, PLLC, the session is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on August 12 and will explore the competitive nature of the casino licensing process.
The panel will feature industry experts, including Josh Maio from Citizens Bank, Jay Masurekar of KeyBanc Capital Markets, and Gary Pretlow, Chairman of the New York State Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee. They will discuss the implications of the licensing process, referring to it as one of the most pivotal competitions in the history of legalized gaming.
In addition to these important discussions, the 2025 Saratoga conference will host 12 panel discussions covering various topics pertinent to regulatory, financial, and operational trends in the gambling industry. Attendees can also look forward to networking opportunities, including a welcome reception at the Adelphi Hotel and a happy hour event, alongside a visit to the iconic Saratoga Race Course.
This conference presents a critical opportunity for stakeholders in the gaming industry to connect and evaluate the future landscape of casino operations in New York, amid what is expected to be an intensely competitive environment.