NYC Poised for Casino Boom: Gaming Board Recommends Licenses for Three Major Projects

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New York City is one step closer to welcoming three full-fledged casinos after the New York Gaming Facility Location Board recommended licenses for proposals from Bally’s in the Bronx, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Resorts World New York City in Queens. The recommendations, made on December 1, 2025, are widely expected to be approved by the state Gaming Commission by the end of the month, marking a significant development in the state’s decade-long effort to expand gambling.

Key Takeaways

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board unanimously recommended licenses for three casino proposals: Bally’s (Bronx), Hard Rock/Metropolitan Park (Queens), and Resorts World New York City (Queens).
The state Gaming Commission is expected to finalize approvals by the end of December 2025.
The projects are projected to generate billions in tax revenue for the state, with significant portions allocated to the MTA and public education.
Concerns about problem gambling and market cannibalization were addressed by the board, which cited conservative market analyses.
The selection process involved overcoming various hurdles, including land use approvals and community opposition.

A New Era of Gaming in New York City

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board’s unanimous decision on Monday signals a major step towards realizing the state’s vision for expanded gaming in its largest city. The board reviewed three bids for the available downstate licenses, ultimately recommending all three for approval. This move is anticipated to unlock substantial economic benefits, including significant tax revenue and job creation.

The Recommended Casino Projects

The three proposals that received the board’s recommendation are:

Bally’s (Bronx): This project plans an integrated casino complex in Ferry Point Park, featuring a hotel, event center, and golf course. Notably, the site was formerly Trump Golf Links, and Bally’s is set to pay the Trump Organization $115 million upon securing the license.
Metropolitan Park (Queens): A joint venture by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, this proposal aims to transform a portion of the Citi Field parking lot into a casino complex with a public park, shops, restaurants, and an entertainment venue. It also includes significant community investment and job creation pledges.
Resorts World New York City (Queens): Already operating a "racino" at the Aqueduct Racetrack, this bid focuses on expanding its existing facility to include table games and further development, promising rapid operational expansion and substantial revenue generation.

Economic Projections and Community Impact

Collectively, the three casino projects are projected to generate approximately $7 billion in gambling tax revenue between 2027 and 2036. Additionally, they will contribute $1.5 billion in one-time licensing fees and an estimated $5.9 billion in other state and local taxes. A significant portion of this revenue is earmarked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the State’s Department of Education. While proponents highlight job creation and economic growth, some community members have voiced concerns about potential increases in problem gambling and the impact on local residents.

Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward

The Gaming Facility Location Board acknowledged concerns about market cannibalization, stating that their consultants conducted conservative analyses indicating the New York market is robust enough to support all three casinos. Board chair Vicki Been emphasized the board’s focus on problem gambling, noting discussions with applicants about combating addiction. The final decision now rests with the state Gaming Commission, which is expected to confirm the recommendations by December 31, 2025. The process, initiated over a decade ago, has seen numerous proposals fall by the wayside, making these three recommendations a culmination of a lengthy and often contentious journey.