New York Approves Three Casinos, Projects Move Forward
PUBLISHED Dec 1, 2025, 11:44 AM ET
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New York — State gaming officials voted Tuesday to approve three casino licenses for New York, awarding permits for projects in Queens at Aqueduct and near Citi Field and for a Bally's development at Ferry's Point golf course in the Bronx. The New York Gaming Facility Location Board recommended approvals for a Resorts World expansion, a Hard Rock-branded complex backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen, and Bally's $4 billion proposal, which includes a $115 million payment tied to land leased from the Trump Organization. The decisions now advance to the state Gaming Commission. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Multiple casino bids competed for New York City licenses; several bids later withdrew.
- Bally's purchased operation rights for Ferry's Point from the Trump Organization in 2023 under a conditional agreement.
- The New York Gaming Facility Location Board met and recommended three licenses for Queens and the Bronx.
- The board's recommendations were forwarded to the state Gaming Commission for final approval expected before year-end.
- If the commission issues licenses, Resorts World, Hard Rock/Steve Cohen, and Bally's projects will proceed to permitting and development stages.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 4
- Distribution:
- Left 17%, Center 67%, Right 17%
Casino operators (Bally's, Genting/Resorts World, Hard Rock/Steve Cohen), their investors, and New York state budgets will receive licensing fees, capital investment, and projected gaming revenues tied to the approvals.
Local residents and community groups near proposed sites face increased traffic, construction impacts, potential social harms, and altered neighborhood dynamics, while some Manhattan neighborhoods that opposed casinos nevertheless avoided development impacts.
Coverage of Story:
From Center
New York Approves Three Casinos, Projects Move Forward
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