New York moved a significant step closer to bringing full commercial casinos to the city after the New York Gaming Facility Location Board announced on Monday that it is recommending three major proposals for state approval. The projects include one casino in the Bronx and two in Queens, marking one of the largest expansions of gambling in the city’s history.
The board selected proposals from Ballys Corporation in the Bronx, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Queens, and Resorts World New York City, also in Queens. The recommendations now move to the New York State Gaming Commission, which is expected to vote on them by the end of the month. State officials have indicated that the commission is likely to affirm the board’s decisions.
If approved, these will be the first full commercial casinos to operate within New York City. The move comes more than a decade after voters authorized the construction of commercial casinos in the state, paving the way for large entertainment resorts that include gaming floors, hotels, theaters, and dining complexes.
The Ballys proposal centers on a major casino resort in the Bronx at the Ferry Point site, a property that has long been eyed for redevelopment. Hard Rock’s project envisions a major entertainment district near Citi Field, complete with gaming facilities, hotels, dining space, and recreational amenities. Resorts World’s plan proposes expanding its existing venue in Queens into a full commercial casino, allowing it to introduce table games and significantly enlarge its entertainment offerings.
State officials say the licensing fees alone for the three casinos are expected to exceed one and a half billion dollars, providing an immediate boost to state coffers. The casino operators claim that once operational, the projects will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual tax revenue and create thousands of permanent jobs across the city.
Supporters argue that the new casinos will provide critical revenue at a time when New York is seeking long term funding sources for transit, infrastructure, and community investment. They also point to the potential for major job creation in construction, hospitality, and entertainment.
Critics, however, caution that the projects may bring increased traffic, heightened concerns about gambling addiction, and potential displacement in nearby communities. Several advocacy groups have urged stronger oversight and community engagement before the projects move ahead.
The next step now lies with the New York State Gaming Commission. If the commission approves the recommendations by the end of December, construction could begin as early as next year and the first casino operations could launch by 2026 or 2027. The decision would usher in a new era for New York City, transforming parts of the Bronx and Queens into major gaming and entertainment destinations.
