The New York City Council has approved the proposal, allowing it to continue in the running
Bally’s Corp. took a giant step towards opening a casino in the Bronx after receiving crucial support from the New York City Council. The council on Wednesday authorized a rezoning resolution passage that keeps the $4 billion project in the sights for one of the state’s three downstate casino licenses. The resolution was approved 32-12, with seven abstaining members.
This type of local backing, a “home rule” vote, has to be attained prior to the bill reaching the state. Typically, such bills must receive a two-thirds majority. However, Mayor Eric Adams personally delivered a formal message favoring the bill, cutting the requirement to a simple majority and moving Bally’s agenda forward.
The bid would include a 500,000-square-foot casino, 500-room hotel, and new events center at Ferry Point, where Bally’s currently operates a golf course it bought from the Trump Organization. Under that 2023 purchase deal, Bally’s would pay an additional $115 million to the Trump Organization if it is awarded a casino license. That provision has attracted political scrutiny in recent weeks.
No matter how much the public brags, Bally’s insists it’s still devoted to community dividends in ways like a free shuttle and an $8.5 million donation to save a neighborhood school. Company executives thanked the council for letting it realize the potential of the project in generating economic growth in the Bronx.
Not everyone on the council was pleased. Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato called the process “disgraceful” and cast a no vote. But Bally’s presses on as other bids formerly withdrew, including big-name proposals by Wynn and Las Vegas Sands.
The clock is running, with the formal application deadline looming on June 27. If Bally’s continues to push forward, it can genuinely anticipate ending up on a short list of final contenders in line to obtain one of the most coveted casino licenses in the New York metropolitan area.
