Decision on location of upstate New York casinos expected to be announced Dec. 17

A decision on where up to four casinos will be located in upstate New York is expected to be announced Dec. 17.

That's the date a board reviewing casino applications is expected to meet for the final time. The board is tasked with picking the winners from among 16 casino applications.

New York State Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams announced plans for the meeting Monday during a meeting of the commission.

Up to four casino licenses are set to be awarded for three different upstate regions: the Albany-Saratoga area, the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region and the Catskills and mid-Hudson Valley.

The decision had been expected earlier this fall. It will be made following months of public hearings and presentations on the proposals.