The unanimous decision awards gaming licenses to hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen’s US$8.1 billion Metropolitan Park casino near Citi Field in Queens, Genting Malaysia Berhad’s US$5.5 billion Resorts World expansion at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, and Bally’s Corporation’s US$4 billion casino at Ferry Point in the Bronx.
State officials project the three casinos will generate approximately US$7 billion in gaming tax revenue between 2027 and 2036, with an additional US$5.9 billion from other project-related taxes. The operators will pay US$1.5 billion in licensing fees, with revenue evenly split between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the state’s Department of Education.
“The three approved casinos will generate billions of dollars for the MTA and education, create tens of thousands of jobs, and deliver real benefits to their surrounding communities,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
Resorts World, which already operates slot machines at its South Ozone Park location, could begin offering table games as early as March 2026. Metropolitan Park and Bally’s Bronx are expected to open by 2030.
Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer warned the newly licensed operators that the commission would closely monitor their compliance with community commitments. Each project must appoint an independent monitor for at least five years to ensure they deliver on promised benefits.
“Be assured that this commission takes our responsibility in keeping your feet to the fire seriously,” O’Dwyer said at Monday’s meeting in Harlem.
Metropolitan Park will feature 5,000 slot machines, 375 table games, 25 acres of new public parks, and a renovated Mets-Willets Point subway station, with the project promising to create 23,000 union jobs. Resorts World’s expansion will include 6,000 slot machines and 800 table games, making it the largest commercial casino in the United States. Bally’s Bronx will include 3,500 slot machines, 210 table games, and a 507-room hotel on the site of a former golf course.
Under the terms of Bally’s 2023 acquisition of the Ferry Point property, the Trump Organization will receive US$115 million as part of securing the full gaming license.
Source: Harlem World Magazine
