NYS Gaming Commission Approves Three Casino Licenses in the Bronx and Queens

NEW YORK—The New York State Gaming Commission unanimously approved the three applicants for full casino licenses—Bronx Bally’s in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx; the Hard Rock/Metropolitan Park proposal by Citi Field in Willets Point, Queens and the expansion of the Resorts World New York City gaming facility at Aqueduct Racetrack in Jamaica, Queens.

The Gaming Commission approved all three by a 7-0 vote. Each project must designate an independent monitor who will later be approved by the Gaming Commission. The respective monitors will report back to the Gaming Commission on a quarterly basis for at least the next five years.

The Gaming Commission Board Chairman Brian O’Dwyer noted in his remarks that the commission is contemplating hiring an engineering firm to also consult with the Gaming Commission Board on the progress of each casino project.

The Gaming Commission at the session held at the Robert Frederick Smith Center for the Performing Arts at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in Harlem, also approved a rule change that altered the term of the casino license depending on the amount of investment.

It was this proposed rule change by Gaming Commission staff that prompted MGM Yonkers to withdraw its application on October 15 for a full casino license for its Empire City gaming property in Yonkers. The rule, adopted unanimously by the Board, the rule, which was published in the State Register on Oct. 8, establishes four tiers in terms of licensing term—10 years for investments up to $1.5 billion, 15 years for investments for up to $5 billion; 20 years for investments up to $10 billion and 30 years for investments of more than $10 billion.

At its Dec. 1st meeting at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan, the Gaming Facility Location Board approved by a 5-0 vote the proposals by Hard Rock /Metropolitan Park, Resorts World New York City and the Bally's Bronx project for approval by the full Gaming Commission. According to Gaming Commission estimates, the three projects total nearly $11 billion in new capital investment.

The Bally’s Bronx project is projected to involve a $2.3-billion investment; the Resorts World New York City development is expected to be a $3.3-billion project, while the Hard Rock Metropolitan Park proposal calls for $5.3 billion in investment if approved by the Gaming Commission.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said of the Gaming Commission’s vote: “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.”

Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, in reaction to the Gaming Commission’s decision to grant Resorts World New York City a full commercial casino license, stated: “Resorts World New York City thanks the New York State Gaming Commission for today’s final approval. We look forward to opening within months as New York City’s first full commercial casino.”

The Bally’s Bronx facility is projected to open in mid 2030; Hard Rock Metropolitan Park by June 2030, while Resorts World New York City expects the converted facility to open in March 2026, with completion of the expansion in 2029 and full project completion in 2031.

In total, there were eight applicants for casino licensure. However, prior to MGM Yonkers Inc.’s withdrawal, the respective project Community Advisory Committees previously rejected the proposals of the Manhattan-based Freedom Plaza, the Avenir, Caesars Palace Times Square and The Coney in Brooklyn.