New York regulators have officially given the green light to three downstate casinos, a major development for legal gambling in the Empire State and one that is anticipated to yield billions in additional tax revenue and investment.
- New York State regulators approved licenses for three downstate casinos, two in Queens and one in the Bronx, marking a major expansion of legal gambling in the city.
- Officials project the casinos will generate about $7 billion in gaming tax revenue through 2036, with Resorts World expected to open a limited facility first as early as this March.
The New York State Gaming Commission met on Monday and approved licenses for three casinos, two in Queens and one in the Bronx.
In Queens, the New York sports betting and casino gambling regulator approved an application for Genting Group’s Resorts World New York City, a proposal to convert and expand Resorts World's existing gaming facility near the Aqueduct racetrack.
Resorts World's full casino license near JFK Airport in Queens approved; the nation's highest-grossing gaming facility will soon offer dealer-staffed table games, in addition to existing slot machines and electronic gaming; Genting expects to invest billions in expansion project
— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) December 15, 2025
The plan for Resorts World NYC includes at least 4,635 slot machines and 534 gaming tables in addition to an all-new hotel and a modification to an existing one. Overall, the Resorts World project is expected to cost $3.3 billion.
The commission also approved a permit for Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, a proposed casino and entertainment district near Citi Field, where MLB's New York Mets play. The new casino is a joint venture of the Seminole Tribe and Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Among other things, the new Hard Rock casino will include 5,000 slot machines, 375 table games, and 30 poker tables, as well as a 5,650-seat entertainment venue. Its proponents expect to spend around $5.3 billion and open in June 2030.
The Hard Rock Casino next to Citi Field in Queens was approved by New York gaming regulators; the formal approval vote was delayed by protestors, one of whom threatened to sue the board
— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) December 15, 2025
In the Bronx, the commission approved a license for Bally’s Bronx, a proposed casino resort at Bally’s Golf Links.
Bally's $2.3-billion casino proposal is for 3,500 slot machines, 210 table games, and 40 poker tables. Those are in addition to a 507-room hotel to be built near a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Opening day is expected in mid-2030.
Off to the races
Monday's approval opens the door to one of the most populous and potentially lucrative markets in the U.S. for the three casino operators.
The three proposed projects were advanced Dec. 1 by the Gaming Facility Location Board, the consultants for which conservatively forecast incremental gaming tax revenue from the new casinos of around $7 billion between 2027 and 2036. There will also be $1.5 billion generated in licensing fees alone.
Resorts World is poised to get a head start on its downstate competition. The operator’s parent company, Genting, is planning to convert and expand an existing video lottery terminal facility in Queens into a full commercial casino.
Because Resorts World isn’t starting from scratch, as the two others are, the company anticipates it will open its converted facility in March. The entire Resorts World NYC project isn't scheduled for completion until 2031.
“Resorts World New York City thanks the New York State Gaming Commission for today’s final approval,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, in a statement. "We look forward to opening within months as New York City’s first full commercial casino."
More to come.
