Bally’s Bronx, Resorts World New York, and Hard Rock Metropolitan Park are one major step closer to becoming a reality in the U.S.’s largest city.
All three casino bids received location approval from the New York Gaming Facility Location Board on Monday. The projects can now seek an operating license from the New York Gaming Commission for their billion-dollar hotel and entertainment complexes that are expected to infuse the city’s communities with “substantial" financial benefits.
Bally’s Bronx will be located at the site of the Bally’s Golf Links. Hard Rock Metropolitan Park is led by Mets owner Steve Cohen, who is building the complex adjacent to Citi Field in Queens. Resorts World New York is already located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens and currently operates video gaming at the Aqueduct Racetrack.
New York law allows for four casino licenses to be awarded, but the gaming facility location board had only three bids that were approved by community advisory boards after MGM Resorts withdrew its Empire City bid on Oct. 14. No Manhattan projects made it past the community advisory stage.
“The downstate market is among the strongest in the nation, supported by population density, income levels, and tourism,” board member Greg Reimers said. The sizable population within a two-hour drive will support sustained visitation supplemented by domestic and international travelers. Each proposal presents a strong competitive positioning, based on brand strength, amenities, and facility design.”
The announcement of the decisions didn’t come without controversy, as numerous public visitors shouted “Shame on you!” for nearly a minute during the meeting.
Community benefits
The three casino projects are projected to generate incremental annual gaming tax revenue of nearly $1 billion in 2036, totaling $7 billion 2027-2036. Another $1.5 billion in licensing fees is also expected. State and local taxes, property, and sales should also generate $5.9 billion, while problem gambling programs will receive $10.7 million annually, according to the board.
The board said several factors were included in their decisions, with community commitments at the forefront. The board expects there to be infrastructure and transit improvements, local business partnerships, and commitments to community-based organizations, “ambitious” commitments to work toward community investment, diversity, and unionized hiring.
The board said there are concerns about these commitments being met, and those will be outlined in a document posted later on its website.
This breaking news story will be updated
