New York Adds Two Experts to Casino Siting Board

29.01.2025

The New York State Gaming Commission has made two key additions to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which is responsible for selecting up to three new casino locations in the New York Metro area. Marion Phillips, III, and Greg Reimers were unanimously appointed.

Bringing Experience to the Table

Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer praised the appointments, emphasizing that Phillips and Reimers have the skills needed to thoroughly evaluate casino proposals. Their decisions, he noted, will have a lasting impact on New York’s economy and communities.

Marion Phillips, III has spent years in community development and diversity initiatives. Currently, he is the Senior Vice President for Community Development and DEI at U.S. News & World Report. Previously, he played a major role in Empire State Development, overseeing projects such as:

  • Queens West Development Corporation (Chair)
  • Atlantic Yards Community Development Corporation (President)
  • New York Empowerment Zone Corporation (Chief Administrative Officer)
  • Harlem Community Development Corporation (Director)

Phillips earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Lamar University and a Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary.

Greg Reimers brings extensive experience in real estate finance and banking. Before retiring, he was a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase, leading teams focused on commercial banking and real estate credit services. He also served as Executive Vice President at The Bank of New York. Reimers holds a degree in economics from Villanova University.

What’s Next for Casino Expansion?

Phillips and Reimers join Vicki Been, Stuart Rabinowitz, and Carlos Naudon on the Gaming Facility Location Board.

Their task is to carefully evaluate casino proposals based on factors like economic impact, community support, and long-term benefits for the state.