New York approves these downstate casinos: Latest

New York approves these downstate casinos

The New York State Gaming Commission met Monday afternoon to finalize approvals for all three full-scale New York City casino licenses. FOX 5 NY's Meredith Gorman has the details.

NEW YORK - The New York State Gaming Commission met Monday afternoon to finalize approvals for all three full-scale New York City casino licenses. 

What we know:

The Commission voted to approve three downstate casino licenses — greenlighting Bally’s Bronx casino, Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park project and Resorts World New York City.

Why you should care:

The approvals allow Bally’s, Hard Rock and Resorts World to move forward with planning and early development on their multibillion-dollar casino complexes.

Moments after the vote, a group of protesters stood up inside the auditorium and began chanting in opposition before walking out. The interruption underscored the tension surrounding the city’s casino expansion, which has drawn both strong political support and vocal community pushback.

State law requires downstate casino licensing to be completed before the end of the year, and Monday’s vote clears the three proposed sites — marking a major step in New York’s long-awaited expansion of full-scale casino gaming.

The backstory:

The Location Board’s Dec. 1 vote cleared the way for these projects to move forward, marking one of the most significant milestones since the downstate casino bidding process began. 

Under the state’s timeline, casino licensing must be completed before the end of the year, making today’s meeting the crucial moment for final authorization. If approved as expected, the three projects will officially become New York City’s first full-scale commercial casinos.

Here’s a look at what's on the table:

SKIP TO: Steve Cohen's Hard Rock | South Ozone Park | Bally's Bronx

Steve Cohen’s Hard Rock Casino Proposal Near Citi Field

Steve Cohen signs Queens casino deal with city amid USTA lawsuit

Mets owner Steve Cohen's plan to bring a casino and entertainment complex, Metropolitan Park, to the Citi Field parking lot in Queens is moving forward once again after reaching an agreement with the city. However, the project is still facing a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA).

Mets owner Steve Cohen, in partnership with Hard Rock, is seeking to build a casino and entertainment complex adjacent to Citi Field in Queens. 

The project would include a casino gaming floor, a Hard Rock–branded hotel, a concert venue and additional public amenities designed to transform the surrounding Willets Point area.

Resorts World NYC Expansion in South Ozone Park

Resorts World, already operating a large video lottery terminal casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, is bidding to become a full-scale commercial casino. 

That upgrade would allow the addition of table games like blackjack, poker and craps. The company has proposed a $5.5 billion expansion, including more gaming space, hotel rooms and entertainment offerings.

Bally’s Bronx Casino Proposal

Bally’s wants to build a casino on land next to the former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The company has agreed to pay the Trump Organization $115 million for the site if its proposal is selected. Plans call for a full casino, hospitality space and a range of entertainment amenities.

Each bidder is required to pay a $500 million licensing fee and pledge at least $500 million in capital investments—a massive financial commitment intended to ensure long-term economic benefits for the city and state.

The decision caps a process that began with the 2013 New York Gaming Economic Development Act. Eleven bidders launched formal proposals; now only three remain. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said over the weekend that he expects both Queens projects to advance, citing their financial and community advantages.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that "Resorts World New York City, despite previously being recommended, did not receive approval during today’s meeting." The Commission did, in fact, approve the Resorts World license.