Bally’s Bronx, Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World Granted New York Casino Licenses
Posted on: December 15, 2025, 03:32h.
Last updated on: December 15, 2025, 03:32h.
- The downstate New York casino licenses have been issued
- Two are for casinos in Queens, and the third is in the Bronx
- No casinos will operate in Manhattan
More than a dozen years after New York voters passed a constitutional amendment authorizing three downstate casinos, the gaming permits that come with slot machine, table game, and sports betting privileges have been granted.
On Monday, the New York State Gaming Commission concluded the downstate licensing process when it formally issued casino concessions to Bally’s Bronx, Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World New York City. The constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2013 authorized four casinos upstate and three downstate. The downstate licenses were put on hold for 10 years to allow the upstate properties to open and build their customer bases free of downstate competition.
Bally’s Bronx is a $2.3 billion capital investment at the city-owned Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. Hard Rock and billionaire Steve Cohen are behind Metropolitan Park, a $5.3 billion undertaking. Genting plans to invest $3.3 billion to overhaul its racino into a Las Vegas-like destination.
The project costs are aside from hefty initial licensing fees ranging from $500 million to $600 million. The capital budgets are also separate from pledged community benefits. Bally’s is additionally required to pay The Trump Organization $115 million, a condition of the company’s acquiring the golf management contract from the president’s family company in 2023.
State Warning
With their gaming licenses in hand, Bally’s Bronx, Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World can move forward to finalizing their construction plans and break ground. While the three projects have been fully approved, Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer warned the newly licensed gaming operators that a close eye will be watching over them at all times.
Be assured that this commission takes our responsibility in keeping your feet to the fire seriously,” O’Dwyer said.
An independent, government-appointed monitor will oversee each downstate casino throughout construction. The monitor will be tasked with ensuring that each licensee fulfills their community pledges and other conditions of their application.
“Today’s vote by the New York State Gaming Commission is the culmination of a multi-year, community-driven process to ensure that casino licenses were only awarded to proposals that had local support, clear community benefits, and sustainable economic plans,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).
“The three approved casinos will generate billions of dollars for the MTA and education, create tens of thousands of jobs, and deliver real benefits to their surrounding communities. Each of the projects made significant commitments to their communities and to New York State, and the Gaming Commission was clear that they will hold these projects accountable and make sure they keep their promises. That is what New Yorkers expect and what they deserve,” the governor continued.
Atlantic City Impact
The downstate New York casinos will give New York City and Long Island residents, as well as those in North Jersey, closer gambling options than traveling down the shore to Atlantic City. Garden State lawmakers are likely to consider allowing a casino, or at the very least, slot machines, somewhere in North Jersey, with the Meadowlands a likely target.
New Jersey Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic) plans to file legislation next month to allow casinos at state racetracks. His bill will set aside some of the state tax revenue generated by a North Jersey casino to benefit Atlantic City.
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