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The long-running push to bring full-scale casinos to New York City reached its conclusion on December 15, when the State Gaming Commission granted final approval to three projects.
The decision clears the way for Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens, Resorts World New York City in Jamaica, and Bally’s Bronx at Ferry Point to move forward as the city’s first legal casino operations.
Officials had already shown that they were in full support of the applications, but the formal vote was tied to a review of each applicant’s background, security record, and overall fitness to operate. Regulators also attached conditions, requiring the companies to appoint independent monitors to ensure compliance with state law and to follow through on commitments made to local communities.
“To all three who have been granted this conditional licence, congratulations on behalf of the state of New York,” said NYSGC Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “We look forward to seeing the jobs, economic development, infrastructure and gaming revenue come to fruition.”
Two years in the making
The approvals cap a process that began with a request for applications on January 3, 2023, following extensive work even before that date, and despite Monday’s major milestone, development and compliance steps still wait ahead.
Hard Rock’s Queens plan is an $8.1 billion build over 78 acres, with thousands of slots and table games, plus a major sportsbook. Bally’s proposes a $4 billion project at Ferry Point in the Bronx, and Resorts World aims for a $5.6 billion expansion in Jamaica, adding a major gaming capacity at its existing site.
“Resorts World New York City thanks the New York State Gaming Commission for today’s final approval,” Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, said in a statement. “We look forward to opening within months as New York City’s first full commercial casino.”
Over $6 billion projected tax revenue for New York
Manhattan won’t host any of the newly approved casinos, but the financial impact is expected to be large statewide.
The state will collect about $1.5 billion in licensing fees, with the Gaming Facility Location Board projecting roughly $7 billion in incremental gaming taxes between 2027 and 2036. In addition to that, state and local tax receipts are projected to add about $5.9 billion.
Money will also go to private stakeholders tied to the bids. Nas is among the backers of Resorts World New York City, while the Trump Organization stands to receive $115 million if Bally’s Bronx proceeds, tied to the site’s proximity to the golf course where Bally’s acquired the lease.
