Two major Las Vegas-linked casino operators cleared a key hurdle Thursday in New York’s casino licensing process, as MGM Resorts International and Genting Group won local approvals to convert their racetrack casinos in Yonkers and Queens into full-scale resorts.

The separate proposals were unanimously approved by six-member Community Advisory Committees, a step necessary for New York gaming regulators to consider a license application.

The CAC endorsements put Las Vegas-based MGM and Resorts World Las Vegas operator Genting on track to claim two of the three coveted downstate class III gaming licenses, a move expected to trigger multibillion-dollar investments in the greater New York City area and generate billions more in revenue for the already successful racinos.

MGM operates Empire

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