State Gaming Commission finalizes licenses for three full-scale casino developments promising thousands of jobs
Three Casino Projects Win Final Approval
The New York State Gaming Commission approved three full-scale casino licenses for New York City locations on December 15, 2025, finalizing a process that began more than a decade ago. The approved projects include Bally’s proposed casino in the Bronx on a former golf course once owned by President Donald Trump, Hard Rock’s complex adjacent to Citi Field in Queens, and Resort World’s expansion of their existing facility at Aqueduct Racetrack near JFK Airport. According to Governor Kathy Hochul, these three projects will unlock billions in funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority while creating tens of thousands of permanent jobs across the city. The five-member Gaming Commission made on-site visits to all proposed locations in November before issuing final recommendations for the new licenses.
Economic Impact and Revenue Projections
Each of the approved casino projects promises substantial economic benefits, though figures vary by location and scope. Bally’s Bronx proposal projects generating nearly $400 million in annual tax revenue while supporting approximately 4,000 permanent jobs. The company has committed to paying the Trump Organization $115 million to purchase its remaining interest in the site, which involves city-owned land that was previously leased. Hard Rock’s Queens project, developed in partnership with Mets owner Steve Cohen, forecasts more than $1 billion annually in tax revenue and over 6,000 permanent jobs. Resort World Casino, already operating a racino at Aqueduct Racetrack in southeast Queens, plans to expand into a full-scale casino producing 5,000 permanent jobs and exceeding $1 billion per year in tax revenue. The American Gaming Association reports that casinos in major metropolitan areas typically generate significant tax revenue but also face challenges related to problem gambling and local community impact.
Community Concerns and Opposition
The casino approvals have faced organized opposition from neighborhood groups concerned about increased traffic, potential rises in problem gambling, and changes to community character. A rally was held in November attempting to block the Hard Rock casino near Citi Field, with local residents expressing concerns about the project’s impact on residential areas. The process of bringing casinos to New York City started in 2013 when state voters authorized a constitutional amendment allowing up to seven casinos statewide, with up to three reserved for the New York City area. Four upstate casinos were given a head start in development. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, communities with new casinos often experience increases in gambling-related issues requiring enhanced support services. Critics argue that the promised economic benefits may not materialize as projected, pointing to mixed results from casino development in other cities.
Trump Organization Connection Raises Questions
The Bronx site’s connection to former President Donald Trump adds a political dimension to the casino approval. Trump previously leased the city-owned land for a golf course, and the Trump Organization retains financial interest in the property until Bally’s completes the $115 million buyout. This arrangement has drawn scrutiny from government ethics watchdogs concerned about potential conflicts of interest. The Brennan Center for Justice has called for greater transparency in casino licensing processes, particularly regarding politically connected properties. The gaming industry in New York has expanded significantly over the past two decades, with the state now hosting commercial casinos, Native American gaming facilities, and video lottery terminals at racetracks. The addition of three full-scale casinos in New York City represents the culmination of years of legislative debate, community input sessions, and regulatory review. Implementation of the casino projects is expected to begin in 2026, with full operations potentially starting by 2028 depending on construction timelines and remaining regulatory approvals.
