NY Board Backs Bally’s Hard Rock and Resorts World Casino

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board voted unanimously to recommend that the New York State Gaming Commission award the long-awaited licences. This decision marks the near conclusion of a multi-year competitive process involving some of the largest operators in global gaming. The Commission is widely expected to follow the recommendations by the end of the month, a move that will immediately generate $1.5bn in licensing revenue for the state.

The three proposals represent more than $17bn in combined investment across New York City. Bally’s has outlined plans for a major casino resort at Ferry Point in the Bronx, while Hard Rock and Mets owner Steve Cohen have advanced the Metropolitan Park project adjacent to Citi Field in Queens. Resorts World New York City intends to upgrade and expand its current VLT property at Aqueduct Racetrack into a full-scale casino, positioning it to be the first operational venue, potentially offering live table games by mid-2026.

Beyond capital expenditure, state officials emphasized the projects’ long-term economic and community impact. Tens of thousands of union construction jobs and thousands of permanent roles are expected, along with billions in annual tax revenue that will support education and mass transit. Each operator has committed to Community Benefit Agreements that include funding for local housing, infrastructure improvements, and neighborhood development.

The approval of all three bids marks an historic expansion of gaming in the New York City region. If finalized as anticipated, the projects will reshape the city’s entertainment destinations for decades while delivering major economic returns to the state.