Freedom Plaza and New York Council on Problem Gambling Announce Strategic Partnership to Establish Onsite Problem Gambling Resource Center

Plans for proposed NYC entertainment and gaming venue Freedom Plaza, led by Soloviev Group and Mohegan, will include a dedicated center for providing comprehensive support, education, and resources for individuals affected by problem gambling.

NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Soloviev Group and Mohegan are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) to establish a dedicated onsite Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) within the upcoming Freedom Plaza entertainment and gaming venue in New York City. This partnership underscores the organizations' shared commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting individuals impacted by problem gambling.

Modeled after successful initiatives at Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) PlaySmart Centres located at Mohegan's Niagara casinos, and in close alignment with standards set by the NYCPG, the PGRC at Freedom Plaza will be a designated private space strategically located in the casino premises. It will provide both "self-serve" and "full-serve" options, with on-site trained professionals available to deliver educational resources and referrals to those seeking assistance.

The center will include interactive kiosks, educational videos on responsible gaming, and a comfortable space for daily coffee service, creating a welcoming environment for individuals in need of a break or support.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to building a venue that prioritizes the health and well-being of our guests. By working together with the NYCPG, we're establishing a gold standard for responsible gaming in New York," said Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group.

"At Mohegan, we believe that creating a world-class gaming experience must go hand in hand with a deep commitment to responsible play. Partnering with the NYCPG to establish an onsite resource center at Freedom Plaza reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting guests and team members who may be struggling and ensuring they have access to the tools and support they need. This initiative is a critical step in fostering a safe, informed, and community-minded gaming environment for all," said Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan.

"The NYCPG is proud to collaborate with the Soloviev Group in this forward-thinking initiative. Together, we're creating a safe and supportive space within the gaming environment that emphasizes prevention, awareness, and recovery," said Michelle Hadden, Executive Director at NYCPG.

As part of the agreement, the Soloviev Group has committed to:

• Funding the design, construction, and fit-out of the PGRC in consultation with the NYCPG;
• Collaborating with NYCPG on an initial and annual operating budget, including staffing;
• Participating in a jointly established Problem Gambling Committee that will meet regularly to evaluate and enhance service delivery and outreach efforts.

The PGRC will serve as a vital resource for those experiencing gambling-related challenges, offering multilingual services to meet the needs of New York's diverse communities. All services will be confidential and free of charge, ensuring accessibility to all individuals regardless of their financial circumstances.

This partnership builds on the NYCPG's statewide mission to reduce the prevalence and impact of problem gambling, and it reaffirms the Soloviev Group's and Mohegan's commitment to social responsibility and community-focused development.

About Freedom Plaza
Developed by Soloviev Group and designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, Freedom Plaza spans 6.3-acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue. The mixed-use development, which will be built only with union labor, will deliver 1,049 new residential units, including 513 units of housing that working people can afford and feature approximately 5 acres of public open space designed by OJB Landscape Architecture, along with locally oriented retail and a wide range of shopping and dining options. Additional amenities will include a daycare center, food market, a museum dedicated to democracy and community center. Two world-class hotels from global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts will feature retail, dining, and entertainment, including the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.

About Soloviev Group
Unwavering in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group brings four generations of successful development across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. The firm's most recent project, Freedom Plaza, will encompass more than six-acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue and is committed to helping New York City thrive. The mixed-use development will feature 4.7 acres of publicly accessible green space; two world-class hotels by global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts, featuring the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over; locally oriented retail and an array of shopping and dining options; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two residential towers with housing that working people can afford. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.

About Mohegan
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan's U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand's iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan's loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.

About the New York Council on Problem Gambling 
NYCPG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem gambling and advocating for services that assist individuals and families affected by gambling addiction. For more information, please visit https://nyproblemgambling.org/.

SOURCE The Soloviev Group