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Casino operators deliberately poured millions into their lobbying budgets to win New York licenses. The intense race for three downstate licenses dominated the industry narrative throughout 2025. Sunday brought a brand new lobbying report from the city clerk. This document highlighted Bally’s Bronx, Resorts World NYC, and Hard Rock Metropolitan Park. These three successful operators became the top city spenders for a second consecutive year.
Top Spenders Secure Big Wins
According to the new report, all three winning operators cracked the top ten list. The Coney Island project also made the list despite an early exit. Their corporate group spent a staggering $1.4 million before a community committee rejected their bid. To maximize their chances, Queens Future and Bally’s each hired 12 different lobbying firms.
Historical Data Predicted The Champions
Interestingly, these exact three winners also topped the lobbying charts back in 2024. That historical data definitely forecasted the final license results accurately. Just 2 years ago, Metropolitan Park spent $1.35 million on strong lobbying efforts. Genting followed closely in second place, while Bally’s comfortably secured third.
Furthermore, Metropolitan Park hired 14 different lobbying firms that year. This massive strategic investment actually started even earlier in 2023. New York Mets owner Steve Cohen formed an entity to push his vision forward. His team and Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment spent over $1.5 million combined that year. The operators boast strong financial backing, especially since Cohen possesses a $23 billion net worth.
Strong Political Maneuvering
Operators willingly embraced these high costs due to massive state revenue projections. Regulators estimate these specific casinos will generate $7 billion in gaming taxes over ten years. Therefore, the operators executed brilliant political maneuvers to survive the cutthroat environment.
Metropolitan Park faced major legislative barriers regarding crucial approvals. Senator Jessica Ramos actively refused to carry the necessary zoning legislation. However, the practical operator successfully turned to Senator John Liu instead. Consequently, Metropolitan Park secured their required pathway and avoided further political roadblocks.
Bally’s Makes Strategic Moves
Bally’s Bronx also executed brilliant political strategies to secure its final state approval. Former Mayor Eric Adams directly helped the operator overcome intense city council resistance twice. First, he strategically lowered voting thresholds to assist the ambitious project. Later, he boldly vetoed a damaging council rejection to keep competition alive.
These vital mayoral boosts kept Bally’s right in the middle of contention. The operator willingly absorbed massive expenses to lock down this premium New York location.
Bally’s upcoming financial commitments include:
- $500 Million: Initial state license fee.
- $500 Million: Minimum capital investment requirement.
- $115 Million: Success kicker fee owed to the Trump Organization.
Bally’s confidently balances this ambitious project alongside massive new developments in Chicago and Las Vegas. Industry experts constantly praise these operators for their relentless dedication to expansion. Securing a downstate New York casino license represents a generational business opportunity. Therefore, these massive lobbying expenditures look like brilliant long-term investments today. These companies clearly understand exactly how to navigate complex political landscapes effectively.
Source: Casino.org
