All three recommended bidders for casino licenses in downstate New York City have received final approval from the New York State Gaming Commission.
Following a Monday meeting by the commission, the Bally’s Bronx project at Ferry Point, Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park at Citi Field, and Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park were officially greenlighted.
The Genting Group’s Resorts World New York City is expected to be the first to offer live table games, as early as March of 2026, given that it’s expanding its current property which hosts a video lottery terminal. The estimated price tag of the expansion is around $5.5 billion.
Each of the three bidders must pay a $500 million licensing fee and pledge a minimum of $500 million in capital investments.
In a statement, New York Governor Kathy Hochul noted that “The three approved casinos will generate billions of dollars for the MTA (metropolitan transportation authority) and education, create tens of thousands of jobs and deliver real benefits to their surrounding communities.
Each of the projects made significant commitments to their communities and to New York State, and the Gaming Commission was clear that they will hold these projects accountable and make sure they keep their promises”.
The approval for the bids had to be completed by December 31st.
