Bronx, Queens Developments Poised to Transform Regional Gaming Landscape and Generate Billions in Investment
Historic Licensing Decision Moves Forward
New York State’s Gaming Facility Location Board has recommended three major casino proposals for licensing, marking a transformative moment in the state’s gaming industry expansion. The projects include developments in the Bronx and Queens that promise to bring billions in investment and thousands of jobs to New York City. The recommended proposals include Bally’s $4 billion casino at Ferry’s Point golf course in the Bronx, billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $8.1 billion Hard Rock casino near Citi Field in Queens, and Resorts World’s $5 billion expansion of its existing facility near JFK Airport. Combined, these projects represent over $17 billion in planned investment. According to the New York State Gaming Commission, these recommendations will now proceed to formal licensing, with approvals expected before year’s end. The revenue from these facilities has already been incorporated into state budget projections, underscoring their anticipated economic impact.
The Bronx Development: Bally’s at Ferry’s Point
Bally’s Corporation has proposed transforming a portion of the city-owned Ferry’s Point golf course into a comprehensive entertainment destination. The $4 billion project would feature a full-service casino, hotel accommodations, dining venues, and entertainment facilities while maintaining the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Interestingly, the project involves the Trump Organization, which previously operated the golf course. Bally’s purchased operational rights from Trump’s company in 2023, with an agreement to pay an additional $115 million upon receiving casino licensing approval. This financial arrangement means former President Donald Trump stands to benefit significantly from the project’s advancement. The proposal emphasizes community benefits including public safety investments, infrastructure improvements, and job creation. New York City planning officials note that the development could catalyze broader economic growth in the Bronx, an area that has historically received less commercial investment than other boroughs.
Queens Projects: Mets Stadium and Airport Expansion
Steve Cohen’s Hard Rock Casino
Perhaps the highest-profile proposal comes from billionaire hedge fund manager and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has partnered with Hard Rock International for an $8.1 billion development adjacent to Citi Field. The ambitious project would transform parking lots surrounding the Mets’ home ballpark into a comprehensive entertainment district. Plans include a full-service casino, a 5,000-seat performance venue, a 1,000-room luxury hotel, and extensive retail and dining options. The development aims to create a year-round destination that complements the baseball stadium, generating activity even during the off-season. Cohen’s involvement brings significant financial resources and business acumen to the project. His track record with the Mets, including substantial roster investments that led to competitive seasons, demonstrates his willingness to commit capital for long-term success.
Resorts World Expansion
Malaysia-based Genting Group’s Resorts World proposal represents an expansion of existing operations rather than a greenfield development. The company currently operates a “racino” at Aqueduct Race Track, offering slot machines and electronic gaming but no traditional table games. The $5 billion expansion would transform the facility into a full-fledged casino with blackjack, poker, and other table games, plus enhanced hotel, dining, and entertainment amenities. This project benefits from existing infrastructure and an established customer base, potentially allowing for faster development and revenue generation.
Economic Impact and State Revenue Projections
New York State has authorized up to three casino licenses for the New York City metropolitan area, following voter approval of expanded gaming in a 2013 referendum. Since then, four full-service casinos have opened upstate, while the more lucrative New York City market remained undeveloped. The New York State Division of the Budget has already factored anticipated gaming revenues into fiscal projections, creating pressure for timely licensing approvals. These revenues will support various state priorities including infrastructure, education, and public transit. Industry analysts project that New York City casinos could generate hundreds of millions in annual tax revenue once fully operational. The concentration of population, tourist traffic, and high-income residents makes the metropolitan area among the most attractive gaming markets in the United States.
Community Concerns and Opposition
Despite economic promises, the casino proposals have faced organized opposition. During the Gaming Facility Location Board meeting, anti-casino protesters interrupted proceedings, chanting objections before being escorted out. Critics raise concerns about problem gambling, traffic congestion, and the social costs associated with casino development. Organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling emphasize the need for robust responsible gaming programs and treatment resources. Opponents also question whether projected economic benefits will materialize as promised. Some community groups argue that casino revenues often flow to out-of-state corporations rather than benefiting local residents. Others worry about displacement and gentrification effects as development transforms neighborhoods.
The Competitive Process and Notable Withdrawals
The path to these three recommendations involved a highly competitive process that initially included eight proposals. Four failed to secure approval from local community advisory boards, automatically eliminating them from contention. Among the rejected proposals were a Jay-Z-backed Caesars Palace in Times Square and two other Manhattan developments. The high-profile Times Square proposal generated significant media attention but faced concerns about location appropriateness and community impact. In October, MGM Resorts International withdrew from the competition, citing changed economic assumptions. The Las Vegas gaming giant had planned to expand its Empire City Casino in Yonkers into a full-service facility. MGM’s withdrawal reduced competition but also raised questions about the economic viability assumptions underlying various proposals.
Timeline and Next Steps
The Gaming Facility Location Board’s recommendations now advance to the New York State Gaming Commission for formal licensing approval. Officials expect final decisions before year’s end, allowing development to begin in 2026. Construction timelines vary by project, with expansions of existing facilities like Resorts World potentially opening sooner than ground-up developments. Industry observers anticipate that the first New York City casinos could begin operations within three to five years, depending on construction complexity and regulatory requirements. The licensing process reflects broader trends in American gaming, as states seek new revenue sources and compete for gambling dollars that might otherwise flow to neighboring jurisdictions or online platforms. For New York, these casinos represent both economic opportunity and social policy challenges that will shape the region for decades to come.
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