New York City, December 23, 2025
New York City has greenlit three new casino projects in Bronx and Queens, aimed at boosting the economy and creating jobs. However, this has sparked concerns about market saturation and potential social issues, including gambling addiction. Proponents highlight the economic benefits, while critics argue the risks may outweigh them. The projects include Bally’s, Resorts World, and Hard Rock International with investments totaling over $17 billion. Community opposition is significant, especially in the Bronx, where 71% oppose the developments.
New York City Approves Three New Casinos Amid Market Saturation Concerns
City’s Decision Fuels Debate Over Economic Impact
New York City has recently approved three new casino projects, aimed at spurring economic growth and creating jobs within the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens. While the New York State Gaming Commission has granted licenses to Bally’s, Resorts World, and Hard Rock International, the approval has raised significant concerns regarding market saturation and the potential social consequences of expanded gambling options.
With large investments accompanying these projects, amounting to billions of dollars, proponents argue that these casinos could bolster the local economy by providing numerous employment opportunities and generating substantial tax revenue. However, critics remain cautious, suggesting that the risks associated with gambling addiction and other negative social impacts could outweigh these financial benefits.
Details of the Approved Casino Projects
- Bally’s: A $4 billion casino located at the Ferry Point Park golf course in the Bronx.
- Resorts World: A $5 billion expansion transforming its existing Aqueduct Racetrack slots parlor in Jamaica, Queens, into a fully-fledged casino.
- Hard Rock International: An ambitious $8 billion project, named Metropolitan Park, situated adjacent to Citi Field in Queens, developed in collaboration with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Community and Expert Concerns
Reactions from community members and experts reflect widespread skepticism regarding the viability of these new casinos. A survey polling 1,374 New York City residents highlighted significant opposition, particularly in the Bronx, where 71% of residents are against the developments. Their chief concern centers around gambling addiction, with 61% acknowledging it as the top issue, and 60% believe the adverse social impacts of casinos surpass any economic benefits.
Additionally, experts emphasize that urban casinos often do not yield the anticipated economic advantages. They caution that rather than enhancing local revenues, these establishments may simply siphon off business from already existing operations, potentially increasing instances of gambling addiction without creating a corresponding number of high-paying jobs.
Potential Impact on Existing Casinos
The launch of these new casinos could also have consequential effects on the landscape of existing gambling establishments in New York. A study anticipated for 2025 projects that the introduction of three downstate casinos could result in a staggering 76% decline in gaming revenue for upstate New York casinos, including Resorts World Hudson Valley. This projection raises critical questions about the market’s capacity to sustain additional competition, hinting at a potential saturation in the gambling sector.
Background on New York City’s Casino Expansion
The recent move to expand casino operations in New York City stems from legislative decisions made in 2022, when state lawmakers approved the issuance of three casino licenses. Initial proposals aimed for construction in Manhattan, but community pushback resulted in the selection of sites in the Bronx and Queens. The state gaming commission’s recent approval marks a pivotal moment for the city’s gambling landscape, with the first of these casinos expected to commence operations within the next five years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the details of the three new casino projects approved in New York City?
The approved projects are:
- Bally’s: A $4 billion casino at the Ferry Point Park golf course in the Bronx.
- Resorts World: A $5 billion expansion of its existing Aqueduct Racetrack slots parlor in Jamaica, Queens, to a full casino.
- Hard Rock International: An $8 billion project called Metropolitan Park, adjacent to Citi Field in Queens, developed in partnership with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
What are the community concerns regarding the new casinos?
Community concerns include:
- 71% of Bronx residents oppose casino development, while 40% of Staten Island residents support it.
- The top concern is gambling addiction, cited by 61% of respondents.
- 60% believe the negative social impacts of casinos outweigh their economic benefits.
How might the new casinos impact existing gambling establishments?
A 2025 study projected that three downstate casinos might lead to a 76% decline in gaming revenue for upstate New York casinos, including Resorts World Hudson Valley, indicating potential market saturation.
What is the background of New York City’s casino expansion?
In 2022, New York state lawmakers approved the issuance of three licenses for casinos in New York City. Developers initially proposed casinos in Manhattan, but community opposition led to the selection of sites in the Bronx and Queens. The state gaming commission’s approval of these projects marks a significant expansion of gambling facilities in the city, with the first casinos expected to open over the next five years.
Key Features of the New York City Casino Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approved Casino Projects | Bally’s, Resorts World, and Hard Rock International |
| Investment Amounts | $4 billion (Bally’s), $5 billion (Resorts World), $8 billion (Hard Rock International) |
| Locations | Ferry Point Park in the Bronx; Jamaica, Queens; adjacent to Citi Field in Queens |
| Community Opposition | High opposition in the Bronx; concerns over gambling addiction and social impacts |
| Potential Impact on Existing Casinos | Projected 76% decline in gaming revenue for upstate New York casinos |
| Background | State approval in 2022; initial proposals in Manhattan; final sites in the Bronx and Queens |
Now Happening on X
- @exec_sum (December 1, 2025): BREAKING: Steve Cohen and Hard Rock, partners on an $8B casino proposal, have secured one of New York’s three downstate gambling licenses for Metropolitan Park next to Citi Field in Queens; Genting’s Resorts World and Bally’s were also awarded licenses. View on X
- @NYNJCouncil (December 20, 2025): New York has approved the development of three new casinos, including Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens, and Resorts World New York City. View on X
- @fmercaldo (December 16, 2025): Breaking: New York Awards Three Mega-Casino Licenses — A New Era of Economic Growth; The New York State Gaming Commission has officially approved major projects marking a pivotal moment for NYC’s economic landscape. View on X
- @RealVegasLocaIs (December 16, 2025): New York has officially approved three new casino licenses in New York City, marking a major step toward competing with Las Vegas’ casino and entertainment scene; regulators gave the green light to two projects in Queens and one in the Bronx. View on X
- @BillPascrell3rd (December 17, 2025): The NY State Gaming Commission has voted to award three downstate commercial casino licenses, approving proposals from Bally’s (Ferry Point – Bronx), Hard Rock Metropolitan Park (Citi Field – Queens), and Resort World (Aqueduct Park – Queens). View on X
- @JosBtrigga (December 17, 2025): Schools, Not Casinos for the Bronx! While All-Hallows High School faces shutdown, Bally’s Links plans a new casino in Throggs Neck; Ritchie Torres could’ve kept the school open, but didn’t. View on X
- @GetTheDailyDirt (December 16, 2025): BOOM… Steve Cohen, Genting, Bally’s Get Final Approval for NYC Casinos; Hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen, Genting Group and Bally’s Corp. each won formal approval to open casinos in New York for the first time full-scale gambling. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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