This is an early rendering of one of the three proposals recommended for approval: Resorts World New York City.
AP
A second casino recommended for approval was proposed by Bally’s in the Bronx.
Michael Appleton/AP
The third casino recommended for approval, Metropolitan Park, would be developed next to Citi Field, home of Major League Baseball’s New York Mets, in Queens.
AP
Three new casinos were recommended for approval by a state board Monday.
anucha sirivisansuwan/Getty Images
ALBANY — With few options left to revitalize the economy in regions of upstate New York, state officials turned about a decade ago to clear the way for three new casinos intended to boost tourism and fill the state’s coffers.
New York City is now expected to make the same bet after three casino proposals were recommended for approval in two boroughs by a state board Monday.
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“Each proposal presents a strong, competitive positioning based on brand strength, amenities and facility design,” said Greg Reimers, a member of the Gaming Facility Location Board.
The proposals recommended for approval are Bally’s in the Bronx from Bally’s Corporation, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, and Hard Rock International and Resorts World in Queens from Genting.
They still have to be licensed by the state Gaming Commission to move forward, but its seven members were enthusiastic about the results pledged by each project in a joint statement.
“We entered this process with a (blank slate), and are concluding with three impressive projects that will transform communities, establish career opportunities for residents, and drive much-needed revenue to the MTA, public schools and the city,” they said in the statement.
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The Gaming Commission is expected to meet in the coming weeks to consider final approval for each proposal.
The new casinos are projected to generate about $7 billion in tax revenue for the state by 2036, according to estimates from the board’s consultants. That doesn’t include the $1.5 billion in licensing fees.
New York doesn’t allow casinos to open without the state’s explicit approval and limits how many can operate in each region. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature gave their approval for three new casino licenses downstate in 2022.
The purpose of the projects is to spur new jobs and much-needed funding for mass transit in New York City.
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“The three projects approved today promise to unlock billions in funding for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs,” Hochul said in a statement. “It is critical that they keep those promises.”
Each project had to endure a rigorous review before reaching a vote from the board Monday.
That included changes in zoning that had to be authorized by both the state Legislature and the New York City Council, as well as approval from a committee of local residents selected by state and city officials.
That narrowed the initial eight proposed projects down to four. One of those ended up withdrawing its application, leaving only the three recommended for licensure by the board Monday.
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The two proposed casinos in Queens — Metropolitan Park and Resorts World — were particularly competitive given their proximity to each other.
“Resorts World New York City’s journey to this historic moment represents more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue, and opportunities for our neighbors,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East.
“After years of community engagement and support, Metropolitan Park is one step closer to becoming a reality,” said Karl Rickett, a spokesman for Metropolitan Park.
But the board’s consultants concluded after an analysis that both casinos could still be successful if recommended for approval, said its chair, Vicki L. Been.
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“We ask our consultants to be very conservative and even with that conservative outlook, they believe the New York market is plenty strong to give the three casino licenses,” Been said.
Additional plans from the developers include new hotel rooms, event spaces and locations for retail shops at each of the three locations.
Resorts World could open as early as next year, with the other two casinos expected to begin operations in 2027.
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