Gaming board recommends licenses for Bronx, Queens developments with billions in investment and thousands of jobs promised
Historic Casino License Recommendations Mark New Era for NYC Gaming
New York State has taken a monumental step toward transforming its gaming landscape, with a key regulatory board recommending three major casino licenses for the New York City metropolitan area. The New York Gaming Facility Location Board announced on December 1, 2025, that proposals for developments in the Bronx and Queens have cleared a critical hurdle toward receiving full casino licenses. This decision represents years of planning and debate about bringing Las Vegas-style gaming to America’s largest city. The three recommended projectsBally’s Ferry Point casino in the Bronx, Steve Cohen’s Hard Rock casino at Citi Field in Queens, and Resorts World’s expansion near JFK Airportcollectively promise over $17 billion in investment and thousands of permanent jobs. According to the New York State Gaming Commission, these facilities are expected to generate substantial tax revenue already incorporated into state budget projections. The recommendations now advance to the state Gaming Commission for final approval, which is anticipated before year’s end.
Bally’s Bronx: Ferry Point Golf Course Transformation
The Bally’s proposal centers on a $4 billion development at the city-owned Ferry Point golf course, a location with intriguing political connections. The Rhode Island-based gaming company purchased operational rights to the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course from the Trump Organization in 2023, agreeing to pay an additional $115 million upon receiving casino licensure. This arrangement means former President Donald Trump stands to benefit financially from the casino’s approvala detail that has drawn considerable attention. The Ferry Point project promises to transform underutilized city property into a comprehensive entertainment destination. Beyond gaming facilities, the development plans include hotel accommodations, dining establishments, and entertainment venues. Bally’s has emphasized community benefits in its proposal, pledging investments in public safety initiatives and infrastructure improvements for the surrounding Bronx neighborhood. The New York City Economic Development Corporation has supported the project as a catalyst for economic revitalization in the borough.
Steve Cohen’s Queens Vision: Hard Rock at Citi Field
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has proposed the most ambitious project among the three finalists: an $8.1 billion Hard Rock casino complex adjacent to Citi Field. The billionaire investor’s vision extends far beyond gaming, encompassing a 5,000-seat performance venue, a 1,000-room luxury hotel, and extensive retail and dining spaces. This integrated resort approach mirrors successful entertainment districts in other major cities, positioning the development as a year-round destination rather than solely a gaming facility. Cohen’s proposal has garnered support from Queens community leaders who view the project as an economic engine for the borough. The development promises thousands of construction jobs during the building phase and permanent employment opportunities once operational. Transit improvements and roadway enhancements form a significant component of the community benefits package, addressing concerns about increased traffic and visitor volume. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been consulted regarding transportation infrastructure needs for the project.
Resorts World Expansion: From Racino to Full Casino
The Malaysia-based Resorts World already operates a successful slots parlor at Aqueduct Race Track near JFK Airport, known as a “racino” because it combines racing and electronic gaming machines. The company’s $5 billion proposal would transform this existing facility into a full-scale casino featuring traditional table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, along with enhanced hotel, dining, and entertainment amenities. This expansion represents perhaps the most straightforward path to implementation among the three proposals, building on existing infrastructure and an established customer base. Resorts World has operated in Queens for over a decade, establishing relationships with community stakeholders and demonstrating economic impact. The company’s track record in New York positions it favorably for regulatory approval. The expansion promises to significantly increase tax revenue generation while preserving the horse racing operations that have historically characterized the Aqueduct location.
Failed Proposals and Competitive Process
The path to these three finalists was highly competitive, with eight proposals initially vying for licenses. Notable casualties include a Jay-Z-backed Caesars Palace planned for Times Square and two other Manhattan resort proposals that failed to secure approval from local advisory boards. MGM’s abrupt October withdrawal from the competition, citing changed economic assumptions, removed another major player from consideration. The company had planned to expand its Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway. These eliminations underscore the rigorous evaluation process and the importance of community support in securing casino licenses. The New York Department of State established comprehensive criteria for evaluating proposals, including economic impact, community benefits, financial viability, and operational experience. Local advisory boards wielded significant influence through their recommendations, effectively creating a community veto over unwanted developments. This structure ensured that winning proposals demonstrated broad stakeholder support rather than simply offering the highest licensing fees.
Community Response and Opposition
Despite the gaming board’s recommendations, casino expansion faces vocal opposition from some community members and advocacy groups. Anti-casino protesters disrupted the December 1 announcement at CUNY Graduate Center, chanting objections as they were escorted from the meeting. Critics raise concerns about problem gambling, increased traffic congestion, and potential negative social impacts associated with casino development. Organizations focused on gambling addiction treatment, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling, have advocated for robust responsible gaming measures and addiction support services as conditions of licensure. The debate reflects broader tensions between economic development priorities and quality-of-life concerns in densely populated urban areas. Proponents emphasize job creation, tax revenue generation, and destination tourism benefits, while opponents question whether casino-driven development represents the optimal use of valuable city property and public resources. This tension will likely continue even after licenses are formally awarded, shaping ongoing discussions about casino operations and community impact mitigation.
Economic Implications and State Budget Considerations
The anticipated casino revenue has already been incorporated into New York State’s budget projectionsa detail that underscores both the financial significance of these developments and the political momentum behind their approval. State officials project substantial tax income from gaming operations, helping to fund various public priorities including education and infrastructure. The New York State Division of Budget has analyzed revenue projections based on comparable markets and the performance of existing New York casinos. However, economic analysts caution that revenue projections depend on numerous variables, including competition from neighboring states, consumer spending patterns, and the broader economic environment. New Jersey’s Atlantic City casinos and Connecticut’s Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun already draw significant Northeast gaming dollars, creating a competitive regional landscape. The success of NYC-area casinos will depend on their ability to offer differentiated experiences beyond gaming, positioning themselves as entertainment destinations rather than simply gambling venues.
Timeline and Next Steps Toward Implementation
With the Gaming Facility Location Board’s recommendations in hand, attention now shifts to the state Gaming Commission for final licensing decisions expected before year’s end. Following formal license approval, winning developers will need to navigate additional regulatory requirements, secure remaining financing, and complete environmental review processes before construction can commence. Industry analysts estimate that the first of these casinos could open within three to four years, assuming no major obstacles emerge. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will conduct environmental impact assessments for each project, examining everything from traffic patterns to water usage to ecological impacts. This represents one of the most transformative moments in New York’s gaming history, potentially reshaping entertainment options, tax revenue streams, and urban development patterns throughout the metropolitan area. As Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani prepares to take office, he will inherit a dramatically changing entertainment and economic landscape, with responsibilities for ensuring these massive developments benefit surrounding communities and contribute positively to the city’s future. The coming years will reveal whether this casino expansion delivers on its promises or generates unanticipated challenges for New York’s largest city.
