New York City, December 16, 2025
New York City is set to welcome its first three Las Vegas-style resort casinos, marking a significant expansion in the city’s gaming landscape. The projects, approved by the state Gaming Commission, promise substantial economic benefits, including job creation and increased revenue. The approved casinos include Hard Rock at Citi Field, Bally’s at Ferry Point, and an expansion of Resorts World at Aqueduct Race Track. Local communities express concerns about potential traffic and infrastructure changes that may arise from the developments.
New York City Welcomes Las Vegas-Style Casinos
New York City is set to welcome its first three Las Vegas-style resort casinos, marking a significant expansion in the city’s gaming landscape. The state Gaming Commission has approved licenses for these projects, which are expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region.
Details of the Approved Casinos
- Hard Rock Casino at Citi Field, Queens: An $8.1 billion investment adjacent to the Mets’ stadium, aiming to enhance the area’s entertainment offerings.
- Bally’s Casino at Ferry Point, Bronx: A $4 billion development on the former Donald Trump-operated golf course, set to revitalize the waterfront area.
- Resorts World Expansion at Aqueduct Race Track, Queens: A $5 billion project to expand the existing Resorts World facility near JFK Airport, introducing a full-scale casino experience.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the anticipated benefits of these developments, including billions in investments, the creation of tens of thousands of jobs, and increased revenue for public services such as transit and education. Analysts estimate that the casinos will generate $7 billion in gambling taxes from 2027 to 2036, along with $1.5 billion in licensing fees. Additionally, Bally’s is set to pay the Trump Organization $115 million as part of a prior agreement upon receiving its license.
Background and Approval Process
The approval of these casinos follows a 2013 referendum that legalized casino gambling statewide. The state Gaming Commission awarded the licenses with conditions, including the appointment of independent monitors to ensure financial and legal compliance. This decision marks a pivotal moment in New York City’s gambling industry, reflecting a shift towards integrating large-scale casino resorts into the urban environment.
Potential Impact on Local Communities
While the developments are poised to bring economic growth, they have also sparked discussions about their impact on local communities. Concerns include potential increases in traffic, changes to neighborhood dynamics, and the need for infrastructure improvements to accommodate the influx of visitors. Ongoing community engagement and planning will be essential to address these challenges and ensure that the benefits of the casinos are maximized for all residents.
Looking Ahead
As construction progresses, stakeholders will continue to monitor the developments to ensure they meet the projected economic and social objectives. The successful integration of these casinos into New York City’s fabric will depend on effective collaboration between developers, city officials, and community members to create a vibrant and sustainable entertainment destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the locations of the new Las Vegas-style casinos in New York City?
The new casinos are located at Citi Field in Queens, the Bronx’s Ferry Point golf course, and the Aqueduct Race Track near JFK Airport.
What is the total investment for these casino projects?
The combined investment for the three casinos is approximately $17.1 billion, with individual investments of $8.1 billion, $4 billion, and $5 billion, respectively.
How many jobs are expected to be created by these developments?
The projects are anticipated to create tens of thousands of jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy.
What are the projected gambling tax revenues from these casinos?
Analysts estimate that the casinos will generate $7 billion in gambling taxes from 2027 to 2036, along with $1.5 billion in licensing fees.
What are the conditions attached to the casino licenses?
The licenses are granted with the condition that each company appoints an independent monitor to ensure financial and legal compliance, as well as adherence to promised investments in local communities.
Key Features of the New York City Casino Developments
| Casino | Location | Investment | Projected Opening | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Casino | Citi Field, Queens | $8.1 billion | To be announced | Significant job creation and economic growth |
| Bally’s Casino | Ferry Point, Bronx | $4 billion | To be announced | Revitalization of waterfront area and job creation |
| Resorts World Expansion | Aqueduct Race Track, Queens | $5 billion | To be announced | Enhanced entertainment options and economic benefits |
Now Happening on X
- @WSJ (December 15, 2025): The New York State Gaming Commission issued Hard Rock International and Mets owner Steve Cohen a gaming license, clearing the way for construction on an $8.1 billion casino project near Citi Field in Queens. View on X
- @wallstengine (December 15, 2025): New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board gave final approval for three NYC casino projects, including Steve Cohen/Hard Rock’s $8B Citi Field complex, Bally’s $4B Ferry Point resort in the Bronx, and $5.5B Resorts World expansion in Queens backed by Genting. View on X
- @JimmyVielkind (December 15, 2025): The decision to award casino licenses to Bally’s in the Bronx, Hard Rock near Citi Field, and Resorts World in Queens could transform NYC’s economic and entertainment landscape, though critics highlight potential risks. View on X
- @howardstutz (December 15, 2025): The New York Gaming Commission approved licenses for three NYC casino projects: Bally’s in the Bronx, Hard Rock in Queens, and Resorts World at Aqueduct Race Track, all with ties to Las Vegas. View on X
- @KolHaolam (December 15, 2025): NYC is getting three real casinos: Resorts World, Hard Rock near Citi Field, and Bally’s in the Bronx, with Resorts World potentially opening first as early as March due to its existing operations. View on X
- @ButlerBets (December 15, 2025): Bally’s casino in the Bronx has earned final approval from New York regulators, positioning Bally’s to undertake multibillion-dollar casino projects in NYC, Chicago, and Las Vegas in 2026. View on X
- @TopStockAlerts1 (December 15, 2025): New York State’s Gaming Commission approved three casino licenses for Steve Cohen, Genting Group, and Bally’s, enabling the first full-scale casinos in modern NYC history after a decade-long process. View on X
- @RLinnehanSR (December 15, 2025): The New York State Gaming Commission approved licensing for Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park at Willets Point, and Resorts World NYC in Queens, despite protests against the Hard Rock vote. View on X
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