Published on: December 1, 2025, 11:42 AM.
Updated on: December 1, 2025, 11:42 AM.
- Approval granted for three downstate New York casinos
- Bally’s, Hard Rock, and Resorts World selected to manage the New York casinos
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board has endorsed the remaining three applicants for the downstate casino licenses.
On Monday morning, the state board granted approvals for Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens, and Resorts World New York City in Queens, which emerged from a field of eight applicants since June.
The evaluation process reduced candidate options, and MGM Resorts retracted its proposal in Yonkers.
In 2013, New York legislators sanctioned three downstate casino licenses. This legislation included a 10-year freeze on granting licenses to ensure the opening of four Upstate New York casinos without facing downstate competition. Governor Kathy Hochul (D) expressed gratitude to the Gaming Facility Location Board for their thorough review. The five-member board serves on a voluntary basis.
“Since the authorization of three downstate casino licenses in the 2022 State Budget, I have maintained that approved projects must deliver tangible advantages to their communities and have viable economic plans. I thank the Gaming Facility Location Board for their meticulous evaluation of applications based on these criteria,” stated Hochul.
“The three projects sanctioned today are poised to generate billions for the MTA and create tens of thousands of employment opportunities. It is essential that they follow through on these commitments. I look forward to the Gaming Commission’s evaluation of the Board’s recommendations in the coming weeks,” she added.
New York Casino Developments
Bally’s Corporation intends to invest $4 billion at Ferry Point Park, where it oversees the Bally’s Golf Links on behalf of the city. This proposal features a 500,000-square-foot casino equipped with 3,500 slot machines, 250 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook. The complex will also feature 500 hotel rooms, diverse dining options, a 2,000-seat event center, and parking for 4,660 vehicles.
Hard Rock, in collaboration with billionaire Steve Cohen, has proposed an $8 billion initiative at Willets Point, adjacent to Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Named Metropolitan Park, this project includes a 300,000-square-foot casino housing 5,000 slot machines and 375 table games, along with a sportsbook. The resort also aims to feature 1,000 hotel rooms and suites, nearly 100,000 square feet of convention space, and a theater accommodating 5,650 guests.
At Resorts World, which currently operates as a racino offering only video lottery terminals and electronic table games, plans are underway for a $5.5 billion overhaul to create a Las Vegas-style destination. The proposal encompasses a 500,000-square-foot casino boasting 6,000 slots and an impressive 800 table games. Additional amenities will include nearly 2,000 hotel rooms, 30 restaurants and bars, and a versatile arena.
Future Steps
Following the Gaming Facility Location Board’s endorsements, the New York State Gaming Commission will assess the projects and verify the eligibility of the companies and principal executives involved.
The state gaming authority is expected to officially issue the casino licenses by the end of the year.