Deputy Editor
The three planned New York City casinos have cleared their final hurdles. All three received gaming licenses from the state commission during a Tuesday meeting, with no opposition or discussion from the commission’s members.
That means the Bally’s, Resorts World, and Hard Rock projects can get underway. The former will be erected in the Bronx, the latter two in Queens. Resorts World already operates a New York gambling facility with slot machines on its proposed site. Hence, it’s expected to be first to market with a full commercial casino operating by spring 2026.
“To all three who have been granted this conditional license, congratulations on behalf of the state of New York,” said Brian O’Dwyer, chair of the commission. “We look forward to seeing the jobs, economic development, and gaming commission revenue come to fruition. I’m looking forward to the creation of hundreds if not thousands of good union jobs.”
The commission did put a condition on the licenses. Each must report to a third-party monitor that will ensure the casino projects fulfill promises to the community, as well as comply with diversity standards included in the suitability and application process.
“We believe that by insisting on this agreement, we will assure that the applicants will comply with federal state, and city laws and regulations, will conduct their business prudently, and will deliver on the substantial promises they’ve made to their respective communities and to the state of New York,” O’Dwyer said.
Keep Reading
Final Three Projects Win Three Available Licenses
The commission awarding licenses was considered something of a formality. Each remaining project had passed numerous hurdles, including a community board review.
What’s more, the gaming commission had the power to award up to three licenses. Four projects appeared set to advance for final consideration, meaning one would be left out in the cold.
However, MGM surprisingly withdrew its bid fewer than two months before final deliberations. That stirred up some controversy, as the Trump Organization is set to receive a substantial payment of $115 million to allow Bally’s onto its leased land, where the casino will be built. MGM and Bally’s were widely seen as competing for the final license, since Mets owner Steve Cohen’s Hard Rock bid centered around Citi Field had been labeled the strongest candidate.
Protest Interrupts Commission Meeting
Just because everything went as expected in terms of licenses awarded, though, that didn’t mean everyone accepted the new casinos with open arms. A small group of protestors could be heard about halfway through the meeting. A hot microphone picked up their shouts.
“Shame on you,” they yelled. “[Governor Kathy] Hochul must go!”
Gov. Hochul released a statement praising the commission and lauding the casino projects.
“Today’s vote by the New York State Gaming Commission is the culmination of a multi-year, community-driven process to ensure that casino licenses were only awarded to proposals that had local support, clear community benefits, and sustainable economic plans,” she said.
“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. 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. That is what New Yorkers expect and what they deserve.”
iGaming Discussions Next?
Retail casino licensing isn’t the only recent item of notable gaming business in New York. On Dec. 5, Gov. Hochul signed into law a bill banning the online sweepstakes casino industry.
The bill’s sponsor, New York State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., has long pushed for expanded iGaming, including online poker, in the state. He took the opportunity to release a statement last week.
“By shutting down unsafe, unregulated sweepstakes casinos, New York is reaffirming that if online gaming is going to exist in this state, it must be legal, well-regulated, and built with strong consumer protections. With downstate casino licensing progressing and the illegal sweepstakes loophole now closed, the state is better positioned to hold serious discussions about regulating and potentially legalizing iGaming in the near future, possibly as part of the upcoming budget process. My priority is to ensure safety, prevent problem gambling, generate much-needed, significant revenue, and keep New York competitive with surrounding states.”
Addabbo tried to push through legislation legalizing online poker several times during his tenure in office, which dates to 2009. Neighboring New Jersey has both online poker and online casino. Online casino produces vastly more revenue than poker, so Addabbo has shifted much of his attention to that potential cash cow.
In October, he expressed frustration about the drawn-out casino licensing process. Gov. Hochul indicated she wouldn’t look at expanded online gambling until that process had played out.
Now that the licensing process has wrapped up, Addabbo’s quotes indicate he’ll spearhead another iGaming push in 2026.
Image credit: VegasCasinoKid/Wikimedia Commons (license)
