New York City, January 2, 2026
New York City is set to establish three new casinos, including Resorts World New York City, Empire City Casino in Yonkers, and a development in Coney Island. The initiative aims to generate revenue for the MTA to fund transportation improvements and alleviate traffic congestion. Resorts World New York City’s $5 billion expansion is expected to contribute $2.5 billion over four years, significantly surpassing budgeted contributions. The plans also include strategies to mitigate traffic impacts and enhance public transit options.
New York City Plans Three Casinos to Fund Transit Upgrades and Prevent Gridlock
New York City is taking bold steps toward addressing its transportation challenges with plans to establish three new casinos. The initiative aims to generate significant revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to fund crucial transit improvements and alleviate potential traffic congestion. The proposed casinos include Resorts World New York City, Empire City Casino in Yonkers, and a new development in Coney Island.
Resorts World New York City Expansion
Resorts World New York City has announced an ambitious $5 billion expansion plan. This includes the construction of a 350,000-square-foot casino, along with 1,600 additional hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, and 3,000 new housing units. The expansion is anticipated to contribute approximately $2.5 billion to the MTA over the next four years, surpassing the MTA’s budgeted contributions of $1.8 billion from three casino licenses and tax payments projected from 2026 to 2029. The project is expected to be operational by March 2026.
Empire City Casino in Yonkers
Empire City Casino in Yonkers has successfully gained approval from its Community Advisory Committee to expand into a full casino featuring table games and sports betting. This approval marks an important advancement in the licensing process, with the Gaming Facility Location Board set to review the proposal.
Coney Island Development
The proposed casino in Coney Island aims to boost the area’s appeal while generating additional revenue for the MTA. The plan emphasizes integrating the casino with existing attractions and improving transportation options to manage the anticipated increase in visitor numbers.
Addressing Traffic and Transit Concerns
All three casino proposals have laid out strategies to mitigate potential traffic impacts and encourage public transportation use. Key strategies include:
- Enhancing existing transit facilities to accommodate increased ridership.
- Providing shuttle services to and from major transit hubs.
- Investing in infrastructure improvements to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion.
With the revenue generated from these developments, New York City aims to finance critical transit upgrades, thereby ensuring that the MTA can meet the needs of its growing population while preventing mass gridlock. The success of these casino projects will hinge on effectively implementing the proposed transportation enhancements and fostering ongoing collaboration among city officials, developers, and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the three proposed casinos in New York City?
The three proposed casinos are Resorts World New York City, Empire City Casino in Yonkers, and a new development in Coney Island.
How much revenue is expected from these casinos for the MTA?
Resorts World New York City alone is projected to contribute $2.5 billion to the MTA over the next four years, exceeding the MTA’s budgeted contributions of $1.8 billion from three casino licenses and tax payments from 2026 to 2029.
When is Resorts World New York City’s expansion expected to be operational?
The expansion is expected to be operational by March 2026.
What strategies are being implemented to address potential traffic and transit concerns?
Strategies include enhancing existing transit facilities, providing shuttle services to major transit hubs, and investing in infrastructure improvements to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Key Features of the Proposed Casino Developments
| Casino | Location | Expansion Details | Projected MTA Contribution | Operational Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resorts World New York City | Queens | 350,000 sq ft casino, 1,600 hotel rooms, 7,000-seat entertainment venue, 3,000 housing units | $2.5 billion over four years | March 2026 |
| Empire City Casino | Yonkers | Expansion into full casino with table games and sports betting | Pending approval | Pending approval |
| Coney Island Development | Brooklyn | Integration with existing attractions, improved transportation options | Pending approval | Pending approval |
Now Happening on X
- @exec_sum (December 1, 2025): BREAKING: Steve Cohen and Hard Rock have secured one of New York’s three downstate gambling licenses for their $8B Metropolitan Park casino project next to Citi Field in Queens, alongside Genting’s Resorts World and Bally’s. View on X
- @UNWINEWITHTASHA (December 3, 2025): Queens wins with Nas and Resorts World NYC’s $7.5B expansion approved, making it NYC’s first full commercial casino and the biggest resort in the U.S., while Jay-Z’s bid was denied. View on X
- @SleeperMets (December 1, 2025): BREAKING: Steve Cohen and Hard Rock awarded NY casino license for the $8 billion Metropolitan Park project next to Citi Field, projected to open in June 2030. View on X
- @3rdPlanetChris (December 31, 2025): The NYS Gaming Commission confirmed that Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock, and Resorts World NYC have each paid their $500 million fee for downstate casino licenses in New York. View on X
- @CDCNewswire (December 27, 2025): Analysts outline massive profit potential for the full casino expansion at Resorts World New York City. View on X
- @Daily_MailUS (December 27, 2025): Inside NYC’s bid to become a gambling mecca as three Vegas-style casinos get the green light, with the first set to open in spring. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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