Gamblers moved a step closer to seeing full-scale casinos open in New York City after a state siting panel approved three major proposals, setting up what would be the city’s first Las Vegas-style gaming facilities. The decision followed years of debate over whether large casinos belong in the nation’s largest city and where they should be located.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board voted unanimously to approve all three remaining downstate applicants, clearing a major hurdle in a process that began with 11 bidders. The proposals now advance to the state Gaming Commission, which holds the final authority to issue licenses. Officials have signaled that approval is expected unless unforeseen issues arise.
Three Projects Clear a Major Hurdle
The approved projects include two in Queens and one in the Bronx. Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock plan to build Metropolitan Park near Citi Field in Flushing. Genting Group’s Resorts World New York City seeks to expand its long-running slot operation at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park to include table games. Bally’s won approval for a casino on the site of a former golf course at Ferry Point, a property once operated by President Trump’s company.
Under the terms of Bally’s agreement, the Trump Organization would receive $115 million if the casino moves forward. Each license also carries a required $500 million upfront payment, sending a total of $1.5 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which has already factored the money into its financial plans.
Supporters say the projects will deliver large economic gains. Each proposal includes plans for hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants, and bars, with advocates pointing to job creation and long-term tax revenue. The MTA expects casino proceeds to help stabilize transit funding.
Community Pushback and Local Concerns
Opposition surfaced immediately following the vote. Protesters at the meeting shouted “Shame! Shame!” as the approvals were announced. In Flushing, residents expressed alarm over the Metropolitan Park plan.
Grace Ying, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than three decades, said she was “devastated” by the decision. She said, “Many people in my community suffer from gambling addictions, and the only thing that holds them back from throwing their money away is the distance from here to where the casinos are.”
State Sen. Jessica Ramos, whose district includes the proposed Queens site, criticized the project, saying, “This was never about ‘good’ or ‘bad’ jobs; it is about pursuing development that improves our quality of life.”
Faster Timeline and Environmental Questions
Genting’s Queens project faces less resistance, partly because it has operated as a slot facility for nearly 15 years. The company said it could introduce live table games by the end of March if regulators approve the license.
Bally’s Bronx proposal drew criticism from environmental advocates concerned about parkland and water quality near the Long Island Sound. “It is extremely disappointing that the State Gaming Facility Location Board has approved Bally’s application,” said David Ansel of Save the Sound.
New York voters approved casino gambling in 2013, initially limiting licenses to upstate regions. The current approvals mark the long-anticipated shift toward downstate gaming, bringing the city closer to a new chapter in its entertainment landscape.
Source:
“NY state board OKs 3 casino licenses for NYC — and Trump Org can get $115M”, nypost.com. December 1, 2025
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