The New York Gaming Facility Location Board on Monday approved three major casino projects in New York City.
The board convened at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan to announce its recommendations. The winners? Bally’s in the Bronx, Metropolitan Park next to Citi Field in Queens, and Resorts World New York City at the Aqueduct Racetrack, also in Queens.
Now it’s over to the New York State Gaming Commission to give the final stamp of approval. Unless something wild happens, there should be a “yes” by Dec. 31.
What’s in the Pipeline?
Each of these casino proposals is a multi-billion-dollar plan designed with hotels, gaming floors, entertainment venues, and community investments.
Metropolitan Park is the brainchild of Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International. They’re looking at about 50 acres of parking lots near Citi Field to build an $8 billion resort with a casino, a 2,300-room hotel, a live music venue, a food hall, and even sports fields. The proposal also promises park space and community benefits, though not everyone is happy about turning parkland into a casino complex.
Resorts World New York City is expanding its current location at the Aqueduct Racetrack. Their $5.5 billion plan will add table games, more hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena, dining, and over a dozen acres of green space. The Genting Group, which owns Resorts World, projects billions in revenue and says the first phase could be up and running by March 2026. They’re also promising a $2.5 billion contribution to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), including license fees and gaming taxes over the next few years.
Bally’s Bronx is planning a 500,000-square-foot casino next to its Ferry Point golf course, which was previously run by the Trump Organization. Along with the casino, Bally’s wants to build a 500-room hotel, spa, retail shops, and a 2,000-seat event center. The company is also giving Bronx residents the chance to own up to 10% of the casino shares. If it all comes together, the project could bring an estimated $625 million in community benefits.
Why the Approvals Happened
So here’s the deal: The board didn’t just glance at the proposals. They looked at money, jobs, and how the casinos would help neighborhoods. About 70% of the score came from revenue and jobs; the rest came from local impact and community support. Greg Reimers, a member of the board, called New York City perfect for casinos because of all its people, cash, and tourists.
And if we’re talking conservative numbers, these spots could rake in $7 billion in gambling revenue over the next 10 years, plus $1.5 billion in licensing fees and almost $6 billion in taxes. That’s a whole lot of zeros and a serious boost for the city.
Opposition Party
Of course, not everyone was cheering. Some local groups argue that the casinos will disproportionately affect older adults and certain neighborhoods, particularly in Queens. Concerns include gambling addiction, potential crime increases, and the displacement of vulnerable residents.
Still, supporters argue that the casinos will bring tens of thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue, and long-term investments in infrastructure, transit, and public spaces.
What Happens Next
With the board’s recommendation, the New York State Gaming Commission will now examine the proposals for financial soundness and ethical operations. Winners will pay $500 million each in licensing fees and are expected to honor commitments to community programs, diversity initiatives, and union hiring.
Construction timelines vary. Resorts World could start opening parts of its expansion by 2026, while Bally’s and Metropolitan Park are targeting a full launch around 2030.
Governor Kathy Hochul welcomed the approvals, highlighting the billions that could go into the MTA and the jobs that could be created. But she also acknowledged that these projects come with responsibilities, and the casino operators must follow through on their promises to the communities.
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