The New York State Gaming Commission on Monday formally approved three downstate casino licenses, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for major gaming and entertainment developments in Queens and the Bronx after a process that stretched over several years.

The Commission’s Dec. 15 vote authorized licenses for Metropolitan Park near Citi Field and Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park, both in Queens, along with Bally’s proposed casino in the Bronx. The decision followed a unanimous recommendation earlier this month by the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board and marked the conclusion of a lengthy review process that included project revisions, community advisory committee votes, and multiple layers of government approval.

Under the decision, Resorts World and Bally’s were each awarded 15-year licenses, while Metropolitan Park received a 20-year license based on its overall financial commitment. Speaking at the Robert F. Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Riverside State Park, Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said the three projects would generate thousands of “good, union jobs” in Queens and the Bronx.

The approvals, however, are conditional. O’Dwyer said each developer must enter into an agreement with an independent third-party monitor, approved by the Commission, to ensure compliance with state requirements and delivery on community benefit commitments over the next five years.

“We will hear from you regularly,” O’Dwyer said. “We will ask the monitor to report on a quarterly basis to us as to how you have complied with the many wonderful promises that you have made to our communities over the next five years.”

The Commission also warned that failure to meet those commitments could result in license revocation, even after construction begins, and said hiring of minority- and women-owned businesses would be closely tracked.

Mets owner Steve Cohen

Project backers welcomed the decision. Mets owner Steve Cohen, who partnered with Hard Rock International on Metropolitan Park, said the project would transform the area surrounding Citi Field.

“Since the day I bought the team, the community and Mets fans have made it clear to me that we can and should do better with the area around the ballpark,” Cohen said. “Now, we are going to be able to deliver the sports and entertainment district that our fans have been asking for.”

Hard Rock International CEO Jim Allen said the Commission’s approval confirmed the project’s broader impact. “The Commission’s decision confirms the positive impact this project will have on New York City, the state, and the region, and we’re excited to build on our long record of delivering world-class entertainment experiences here in Queens,” Allen said.

Genting Americas East President Robert DeSalvio, whose company oversees Resorts World New York City, said the casino expects to begin full operations in early 2026. “We look forward to opening within months as New York City’s first full commercial casino,” DeSalvio said.

Genting Americas East President Robert DeSalvio

The decision was welcomed by several elected officials, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who described it as the “dawn of a more financially secure future” for the borough. Council Member Francisco Moya, whose district includes the Metropolitan Park site, called it a “major win” for Queens.

The meeting was briefly disrupted by protesters opposed to casino development, and advocacy group Flushing Workers Center criticized the decision, calling for Gov. Kathy Hochul to resign.

Hochul defended the outcome, calling it the result of a multi-year “community-driven process” that emphasized local support and enforceable community benefits. “Each of the projects made significant commitments to their communities and to New York State,” Hochul said, adding that accountability would be enforced.

State officials estimate the three casinos will generate roughly $7 billion in gaming tax revenue between 2027 and 2036, along with $5.9 billion in additional taxes. Each developer will also pay a $500 million license fee, with most tax revenue split between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the State Department of Education.