The approvals stem from a 2013 voter-backed amendment that allowed up to three downstate casinos
New York has taken a major step toward expanding casino gaming in the city after state regulators approved three full-scale casino proposals in Queens and the Bronx. The State Gaming Commission signed off on the projects Monday, closing out a long approval process that began more than a decade ago.
The greenlight applies to proposals from Bally’s, Hard Rock International, and Resorts World. Bally’s plans to build a casino hotel in the Bronx on a former golf course once linked to President Donald Trump. Hard Rock, partnered with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, is targeting a large entertainment complex next to Citi Field in Queens.
Resorts World, which already operates a racino at Aqueduct Racetrack near JFK Airport, received approval to expand into a full casino. The company has been active at the site for years and is now set to add table games and other features allowed under a full license.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the decision, saying the projects are expected to bring billions in funding for public transit and education. State officials estimate the casinos will also create tens of thousands of construction and permanent jobs across the city.
Each operator has made big promises tied to jobs and tax revenue. Bally’s projects nearly $400 million a year in taxes and close to 4,000 permanent positions, along with a $115 million payment to acquire full control of its Bronx site. Hard Rock and Cohen’s group estimate more than $1 billion a year in tax revenue and over 6,000 jobs.
Resorts World has offered similar projections, pointing to more than $1 billion annually in taxes and roughly 5,000 permanent roles.
