The New York State Gaming Commission has officially approved three downstate casino bids, marking a significant milestone in bringing Las Vegas-style gaming to New York City. The decision, made on December 15th, grants licenses to developments in Queens and the Bronx, promising substantial economic benefits and thousands of jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Three full-scale casino licenses have been approved for New York City.
- Projects include Hard Rock Metropolitan Park (Queens), Resorts World (Queens), and Bally’s (Bronx).
- Licenses are contingent on adherence to community promises and oversight by a third-party monitor.
- Resorts World aims for a March 2026 opening, with others expected by 2030.
- The projects are projected to generate billions in tax revenue for the MTA and education.
A New Era of Gaming in New York City
The New York State Gaming Commission’s vote on Monday finalized a years-long process, awarding 15-year licenses to Bally’s and Resorts World, and a 20-year license to Metropolitan Park. This decision greenlights major developments, including the Hard Rock Metropolitan Park at Citi Field, the expansion of Resorts World in South Ozone Park, and Bally’s proposal on a former golf course in the Bronx.
Community Promises and Oversight
Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer emphasized that the licenses are conditional. Each approved bid must sign a monitoring agreement with an independent third-party. This monitor will ensure projects meet state standards and fulfill substantial community promises over the next five years, reporting quarterly to the Commission. Failure to comply could lead to license revocation.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the approved casinos will generate billions for the MTA and education, while creating tens of thousands of jobs. Bally’s anticipates nearly $400 million in annual tax revenue and 4,000 permanent jobs. The Metropolitan Park project, a joint venture between Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, projects over $1 billion annually in tax revenue and 6,000 permanent jobs. Resorts World expects to create 5,000 permanent jobs and generate over $1 billion in annual tax revenue.
Project Details and Timelines
Resorts World, already operating a racino, plans to expand with table games as early as March 2026. Metropolitan Park will transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking into a complex featuring a hotel, entertainment venue, shops, restaurants, and a public park. Bally’s will develop a casino hotel on a site previously owned by the Trump Organization, with whom Bally’s will pay $115 million.
Reactions and Protests
Representatives from the approved projects welcomed the decision, highlighting the potential for economic growth and community benefits. Mets owner Steve Cohen expressed excitement about creating a sports and entertainment district around Citi Field. However, the decision was met with protests from groups like the Flushing Workers Center, who accused officials of prioritizing billionaires over New Yorkers and raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of casinos on vulnerable communities.
Sources
- Gaming Commission approves all 3 NYC casino bids, including Metropolitan Park & Resorts World in Queens –
QNS, QNS.com. - NYC casinos: State Gaming Board gives final approval for all 3 New York City sites for casino licenses, ABC7 New York.
- 3 NYC casinos get licenses for Vegas-style gaming – with first to open as early as March, New York Post.
