The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has recommended that the Gaming Commission award three downstate casino licences.
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board met today and has voted to recommend that the state’s Gaming Commission award three highly-coveted downstate casino licences.
As expected, Bally’s, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Resorts World New York City received support from the board, signalling the near-final stage of a years-long competition.
The unanimous decision by the Location Board forwards all three remaining proposals to the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) for final approval.
The NYSGC is widely expected to follow the recommendations and formally award the licences before the end of the month, a move that will immediately inject $1.5bn in licensing fees into the state’s coffers.
The three winning bids represent massive investment projects across New York City:
- Bally’s proposed a resort in the Bronx at Ferry Point.
- Hard Rock International, partnered with Mets owner Steve Cohen on the Metropolitan Park project, plans a complex next to Citi Field in Queens.
- Resorts World New York City seeks to convert and expand its existing video lottery terminal (VLT) facility at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens into a full-scale casino.
Board Chair Vicki Been stated that awarding all three licences best serves the state’s long-term fiscal and community objectives, citing the projected economic activity and job creation.
An historic move for New York
The move marks an historic expansion of gaming into the New York City area. Each winner has committed to significant capital investments and community benefits.
While Resorts World could offer live table games as early as mid-2026, the Hard Rock and Bally’s projects anticipate opening by 2030, transforming the region’s entertainment and tourism landscape.
In addition to the licensing fees, the projects represent a colossal capital investment, with the Hard Rock/Metropolitan Park proposal estimated at $8bn, Bally’s at $4bn, and Resorts World’s expansion at $5.5bn.
Developers anticipate the creation of tens of thousands of union construction jobs and thousands of permanent, full-time jobs.
Furthermore, the casinos are expected to generate billions of dollars annually in new tax revenue, primarily supporting education and mass transit.
Resorts World, which can quickly convert its existing facility, is anticipated to bring the quickest tax revenue infusion, with live table games potentially starting in mid-2026.
The proposals also include significant Community Benefit Agreements to dedicate funds toward local housing and infrastructure development.