Metropolitan Park, Resorts World, and Bally’s Bronx advance to final licensing phase with billions in investment promised
Historic Decision Shapes Gaming Future
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board unanimously approved three casino proposals on December 1, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s expansion of gambling operations into New York City. The approved projects–Metropolitan Park at Willets Point in Queens, Resorts World New York City at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, and Bally’s Bronx at Ferry Point–now advance to the New York State Gaming Commission for final licensing approval expected by December 31.
Metropolitan Park Promises Transformative Development
The Metropolitan Park proposal, backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, represents the most ambitious project with an $8 billion investment. The development would transform parking lots around Citi Field into an integrated resort featuring a casino, 2,000-room hotel, food hall, entertainment venues, and public park space. According to project spokesperson Karl Rickett, the development promises to generate billions in tax revenue, create 23,000 union jobs, and deliver over $1 billion in community benefits. The Hard Rock International partnership brings proven expertise in casino resort development to the project, with successful properties operating worldwide.
Resorts World Plans Rapid Expansion
Resorts World New York City’s expansion proposal offers the fastest timeline to revenue generation, as the existing facility already operates video lottery terminals and slot machines. The Malaysian-based Genting Group plans a $7.5 billion expansion adding table games, a 7,000-seat arena, conference center, 2,000-room hotel, and parking for 7,000 vehicles. Project representatives indicate that table games could launch as early as March 2026–within 90 days of final license approval–providing immediate revenue to the state. Since opening in 2011, Resorts World has contributed nearly $5 billion to New York’s public education system and over $2 billion to the New York Racing Association.
Bally’s Bronx Addresses Borough Economic Needs
The Bally’s Corporation proposal for a $4 billion resort at Ferry Point in Throggs Neck represents the only casino project in the Bronx. The development includes a 500,000-square-foot casino, 500-room hotel, 2,000-person event center, and parking for 4,660 vehicles. As part of the site purchase agreement, the Trump Organization–former operator of Trump Links golf course at the location–stands to receive $115 million from the deal. Bally’s application emphasized the Bronx’s economic challenges, arguing that the borough has historically suffered from lack of economic opportunity compared to other boroughs. According to the NYC Parks Department, the Ferry Point location offers access from multiple highways and bridges, facilitating visits from Long Island, Connecticut, Westchester, and northern New Jersey.
Revenue Projections and Economic Impact
The Gaming Facility Location Board projects these three casinos will generate approximately $7 billion in tax revenues between 2027 and 2036. Each winning bidder must pay a $500 million application fee and commit to investing at least $500 million in local community benefits. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized that projected revenues will support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, with billions earmarked for subway and bus improvements. Resorts World alone estimates generating $2.5 billion for the MTA by 2030.
Community Opposition and Concerns
Despite board approval, the decision faced significant opposition from community advocates concerned about gambling addiction and local impacts. Protesters interrupted the announcement with chants, and advocacy groups like the Flushing Anti-Casino Group expressed concerns about targeting vulnerable populations. Jack Hu, representing the opposition, stated that Asian immigrant working-class communities–comprising 70% of the local population–already struggle with gambling addiction, and casino placement within the community would exploit these vulnerabilities. Environmental groups including Save the Sound raised concerns about Bally’s pollution mitigation plans. David Ansel, vice president of the nonprofit’s Center for Water Protection, noted that New York City already has inadequate wastewater infrastructure, questioning the casino’s capacity to address additional environmental strain.
The Approval Process and Criteria
The Gaming Facility Location Board’s decision followed a rigorous evaluation process that began with eight initial proposals. Community Advisory Committees–panels assessing local support–eliminated several bids during early review stages. MGM Yonkers unexpectedly withdrew its application for the Empire State Casino expansion, prompting Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to call for a state investigation. Board chair Vicki Been emphasized that the approval decision weighed projected tax revenue, economic benefits for surrounding communities, and each applicant’s commitment to addressing problem gambling. She indicated that the board pressed applicants on specific measures to combat gambling addiction, urging the Gaming Commission to push New York toward more active intervention beyond making resources available.
Final Licensing Process and Timeline
The Gaming Commission now conducts final reviews assessing each applicant’s financial soundness and operational capacity. Requirements include confirming the $500 million application fees, securing property rights, verifying community investment commitments, and evaluating problem gambling mitigation plans. Winners must deposit 5-10% of total project investment with the state. According to the New York State Gaming Commission, licenses should be issued by December 31, 2025. Resorts World could begin table game operations shortly thereafter, while Metropolitan Park and Bally’s Bronx require construction completion before opening, with 2030 target dates.
Regional Casino Landscape Context
The New York City casino approvals represent the final phase of the state’s gaming expansion strategy. In 2013, voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing seven casino licenses statewide, with a ten-year moratorium on downstate licenses allowing upstate casinos to establish operations first. Four upstate casinos currently operate, with the three downstate licenses now allocated to these New York City projects. A 2023 state comptroller analysis of upstate casino performance found mixed results–facilities brought $176 million to local governments between 2017 and 2022 but failed to meet initial revenue and tax projections. The report cautioned that “local gaming revenue is not always a ‘sure bet,’ ” emphasizing the need for careful financial planning.
Employment and Union Commitments
All three approved projects committed to significant union job creation. Metropolitan Park promises 23,000 union positions, Resorts World plans to hire 2,000 employees for its initial phase, and Bally’s projects thousands of construction and operational jobs. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. praised the approvals, stating that Queens is “quickly becoming [the nation’s] most economically innovative and transformative” county, connecting families to good-paying union jobs and residents to world-class entertainment.
Political Support and Opposition
Governor Hochul issued a statement supporting the board’s decision: “From the moment that three downstate casino licenses were authorized in the 2022 State Budget, I have been clear: any approved project must provide real benefits to its community and have sustainable economic plans.” She emphasized that the projects promise to unlock billions for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs, adding that “it is critical that they keep those promises.” Political opposition focused on concerns about casino impacts outweighing benefits. Some elected officials and community advocates questioned whether gambling revenues would materialize as projected and whether community benefits would be delivered as promised. These critics pointed to national data showing mixed casino economic performance and concerns about social costs from expanded gambling access.
Future Implications for New York Gaming
The casino approvals position New York City as a major gaming destination alongside established markets like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Industry analysts suggest that the city’s existing tourism infrastructure, international visitor base, and business traveler market create favorable conditions for casino success. However, the projects face challenges including construction timelines, competition among the three properties for limited gaming market share, and potential changes in consumer behavior or economic conditions. Looking ahead, observers will monitor whether online casino gaming–currently prohibited in New York–gains legislative approval, potentially changing the competitive landscape for physical casino properties. Senate Bill S8185, supported by Senator Joseph Addabbo, continues pushing for legal online casino gambling statewide, driven by desire to capture revenue currently flowing to neighboring states with legal online gaming.
