New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board has approved all three downstate casino proposals, advancing major developments backed by Hard Rock International, Bally’s Corporation, and Genting Americas. The unanimous vote clears the way for each project to seek final licensing from the New York State Gaming Commission, positioning New York City to gain its first full-scale commercial casinos as early as later this month.
Below is a brief breakdown of what each casino project will look like.
Resorts World plans to upgrade its existing racetrack and slots venue into a full-scale commercial casino featuring live-dealer table games. The redevelopment would significantly expand the property, adding a larger gaming floor, new hotel rooms, and additional entertainment spaces.
Hard Rock International’s proposal centers on a major integrated resort near New York Mets’ home ballpark, Citi Field, combining a casino, hotel, entertainment venues, park space, and other mixed-use amenities. It will be designed to function as a wide-ranging entertainment district rather than just a gambling facility.
Bally’s aims to build a $4 billion resort and casino complex on the former Ferry Point golf course site in the Bronx. The plan includes a large casino floor, hotel accommodations, and a broad community benefits package. The project is pitched as a major economic driver for the borough, bringing new tourism, jobs, and development to the surrounding area.
The Gaming Facility Location Board cited population density and strong tourism as core reasons for advancing all three casino proposals. These factors make New York City uniquely positioned to sustain long-term traffic from both domestic and international travelers.
In evaluating the bids, the board applied a weighted system that placed 70% of its focus on projected economic activity and business development. The remaining 30% was spread out across local siting impacts, workforce enhancement, and each project’s commitments to diversity and inclusion.
Each proposal also pledged substantial community benefits, including investments in public infrastructure and transit improvements, partnerships with local businesses, and support for community-based organizations.
State officials project that the three proposed casinos could generate nearly $1 billion per year in gaming tax revenue by 2036, contributing an estimated $7 billion between 2027 and 2036. Additional licensing fees are expected to add roughly $1.5 billion, with further revenue coming from property taxes, sales taxes, and other local and state tax streams.
With the Gaming Facility Location Board’s approval now complete, each project advances to the New York State Gaming Commission for final licensing. That decision is expected by the end of December 2025. If approved, the developments would become New York City’s first modern, full-scale commercial casinos, marking a significant expansion of the state’s gaming landscape.
The earliest projection for launch would be spring 2026, as long as everything goes smoothly with licensing.
