\u201cThe board\u2019s decision was constrained by the specific criteria of the legislative study\u2026 in response to a vote of the people of New York State to support the licensure of the casino gambling in the state,\u201d said board chair Vicki L. Been. \u201cWithin that framework, the board took very seriously, both concerns and the hopes of those who commented on the proposals.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/120125_casino_vote_4.jpg\")
Members of the state\u2019s Gaming Facility Location Board met at the CUNY Graduate Center in Midtown ahead of approving three casino bids, Dec. 1, 2025. Credit: Ben Fractenberg\/THE CITY<\/p>\n
The casino race originally began with eight players<\/a>, but only half remained after eight separate Community Advisory Committees \u2014 panels evaluating local support \u2014 killed some bids. MGM Yonkers in Westchester also unexpectedly withdrew<\/a> its application to renovate and expand Empire State Casino, prompting Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to call on Gov. Kathy Hochul to launch an investigation into the sudden drop out.\u00a0<\/p>\n The gambling industry has been vying to break into the New York City market for decades<\/a>. In 2013, voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing seven casino licenses statewide. The text of the amendment also issued a ten-year moratorium<\/a> on downstate licenses so upstate casinos could establish themselves before encountering competition from downstate casinos.\u00a0<\/p>\n One of the winners in Monday\u2019s decision, Bally\u2019s Corporation<\/a>, plans to build a 500,000-square-foot casino at Ferry Point in Throggs Neck. The project includes a 500-room hotel, a 2,000-person event center and two parking garages with 4,660 spaces. As part of Bally\u2019s purchase agreement for the site, the Trump Organization \u2014 the former operator of Trump Links golf course \u2014 is slated to receive $115 million<\/a> from the deal.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOur team has worked closely with community leaders, union partners, and local stakeholders to build a project that delivers real jobs, lasting economic benefits, and a world-class entertainment destination for the Bronx,\u201d said Bally\u2019s spokesperson Lauren Westerfield in a statement. \u201cWe are grateful for the board\u2019s confidence and look forward to working with the Gaming Commission as the process moves to its next phase.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n In Queens, the Metropolitan Park<\/a> project would transform a 50-acre lot near Citi Field into a resort with 286,208 square-feet of gaming space, an entertainment venue, multiple restaurants, a convention center, hotel and retail. Backed by Mets owner and hedge fund manager Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, the developers pledged $1.75 billion in community investments including park space and income-restricted housing.<\/p>\n Following the announcement of the recommendations, protests erupted from the crowd by a Flushing group organizing against the Metropolitan Park project.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter years of community engagement and support, Metropolitan Park is one step closer to becoming a reality,\u201d said Karl Rickett, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Park. \u201cFollowing a fair, transparent and rigorous process, the Gaming Facility Location Board has validated the positive economic impact this project will have with billions of dollars in tax revenue, 23,000 union jobs, and over $1 billion in community benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n The last license would go to Resorts World, which already operates the city\u2019s lone, current gaming facility. Its 5.6 million-square-foot expansion plan will bring 6,000 slot machines, 800 gaming tables, 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena, over 7,000 parking spaces, over 30 dining outlets and over a dozen acres of community green space to southeast Queens. The Genting Group, the Malaysian hospitality group that owns it, expects between $3.3 and $4.6 billion<\/a> in revenue for 2031.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cResorts World New York City\u2019s journey to this historic moment represents more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue and opportunities for our neighbors,\u201d said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. \u201cResorts World New York City\u2019s $7.5 billion proposal is the only bid that can expand operations in just 90 days, generating billions in new revenue for mass transit and public education over the next four years.\u201d<\/p>\n What Happens Next?<\/p>\n While the Gaming Facility Location Board issues the final decisions on the applications, it is up to the State Gaming Commission to issue the casino licenses by the end of the year. The commission will assess whether applicants are financially sound and capable of responsibly operating a casino, including paying the $500 million application fee, securing land, investing $500 million in the local community, and addressing issues such as problem gambling and community impact.<\/p>\n The Gaming Commission will also be responsible for ensuring that the casino winners remain committed to the community investments outlined in their proposal as a part of their licensing agreement.\u00a0<\/p>\n Winners must also place a deposit of 5 to 10% of the project\u2019s total investment with the state.<\/p>\n While the lengthy approval process is almost over, it will take another few years until the winners will have their casinos up and running. Bally\u2019s and Metropolitan Park expect to open their doors in 2030, while Resort Worlds will finish the first phase of their expansion by 2026, and the second in 2030.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/120125_casino_vote_2.jpg\")
Rapper Nas celebrates the state\u2019s Gaming Facility Location Board approving the Resorts World aqueduct casino in Queens, Dec. 1, 2025. Credit: Ben Fractenberg\/THE CITY<\/p>\n