New York Mayor Eric Adams could save Bally’s new casino bid after the New York City Council voted against zoning changes necessary for the complex to be built on a golf course owned by Bally’s located in the Bronx. Without adequate permissions, the Bally’s project can’t move forward, and the mayor currently has a small window to reverse the council’s decision.
Key Takeaways
- While the New York City Council has voted against zoning changes for the new casino, Mayor Adams could still veto the rejection
- Without zoning approvals, Bally’s risks being eliminated from the race for one of three downstate casino licenses
- Eight companies compete for limited licenses, with lobbying and political connections playing major roles
For those who aren’t in the know, Bally's is one of eight companies currently competing for only three downstate casino licenses. If the zoning dispute kills the Bronx proposal, it could effectively knock Bally's out of the race. While casinos are legal and available in New York, all of these are upstate, making the downstate licenses very lucrative. Online casinos are not available, but New York online sportsbooks are regulated.
Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, who opposes the zoning changes, stated that there is no real economic development and that the casino isn’t actually a community improvement. Without the necessary approvals, the casino project cannot advance to the next stage of the state’s competitive bidding for the aforementioned licenses.
However, Mayor Eric Adams has the power to veto the council’s rejection, but only within five days of filing its decision with his administration. That filing hasn’t officially happened yet, so the clock hasn’t started.
If Adams uses his veto, the casino project could continue with additional community review and approval, potentially creating new jobs and investments in the Bronx. It’s also worth noting that while Marmorato is opposed to the project, other Bronx officials are supportive.
Eight bids for casino licenses in New York
As previously stated, Bally’s proposal in the Bronx is just one of eight; the other seven are from companies vying for three downstate casino licenses that the state is expected to award later this year.
The competition has drawn some of the biggest names in entertainment and gaming, all pitching billion-dollar visions to transform New York’s economic and tourism scene. Of course, the competition also sparked a wave of lobbying, political maneuvering, and media campaigns.
Each company is now seeking to win favor with community leaders, city officials, and the public. Some have partnered with well-known local institutions or approached celebrities, hoping to use their influence and sway the public in their favor. For example, the Caesars bid in Times Square is backed by Jay-Z, among others.
Some companies, like Bally’s, have drawn on politically connected advisors and former city officials to bolster their chances. This includes Vito Pitta and Frank Carone, both of whom are lobbying and consulting for Bally’s; the former was Mayor Adams’ election attorney, while the latter was his former chief of staff and campaign chairman.
