NYC Casino Bids Heat Up as Gambling Expansion Looms
- Three finalists remain in the race for NYC casino licenses: Resorts World NYC, Hard Rock in Queens, and Bally’s Bronx.
- Final presentations were made on Friday to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board.
- Only three licenses will be issued, with decisions expected by mid-to-late 2026- marking a major step in expanding New York’s casino market.
NEW YORK – Three major contenders vying for one of New York’s coveted downstate casino licenses made their final pitches to state regulators on Friday.
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board heard formal presentations from the three remaining finalists: Resorts World New York City in Queens, Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park proposal near Citi Field, and Bally’s planned Bronx casino at the site of the Trump Golf Links.
These projects represent billions in private investment and promise to transform parts of the city to have legal New York gambling as well as large-scale entertainment, hospitality, and sports betting facilities.
3 Future New York Casinos
Hard Rock’s proposed $12 billion Metropolitan Park is the most ambitious of the three. Located adjacent to the Mets’ Citi Field in Queens, the legal USA gambling project includes a hotel, concert venues, public green space, and a full-service casino featuring a sportsbook. Hard Rock executives highlighted the potential for job creation and tourism, positioning the complex as a year-round entertainment destination.
Resorts World NYC, the only currently operating casino among the finalists, is seeking to upgrade its existing facility in South Ozone Park, Queens. Already offering slot machines and electronic table games, the property aims to become a full-scale casino with live dealer games, expanded sports betting options, and additional amenities.
As a longtime presence in the city’s gaming landscape, Resorts World emphasized its track record of performance and community engagement. Its parent company, Genting, has already invested over $1B into the facility.
Bally’s has proposed a dramatic redevelopment of the Trump Gold Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx. The plan includes a casino complex, hotel, and community infrastructure improvements. The proposal has faced mixed reactions due to its location and political associations, but it aims to deliver economic benefits to the area.
Bally’s has pledged to make local investments and job creation, noting that their proposal includes workforce training programs and transit accessibility enhancements.
New York State is authorized to issue up to three downstate casino licenses, with final decisions anticipated by mid-to-late 2026.