Three New York Casinos Get Final Approval

The New York State Gaming Commission has given final approval for three casinos to be built in the city.

The move will feature new Hard Rock and Resorts World casinos in Queens, as well as a Bally’s in the Bronx region.

The decision brings years of negotiations and discussions to a close, following residents' vote to allow up to seven NY casinos, including three within the city's borders.

The Gaming Facility Location Board announced in February 2023 that it would open the bidding process for new city casinos.

Over the course of the following years, the world’s largest casino companies have put forward proposals.

Several withdrew their bids, while community committees rejected others. 

Eventually, three proposals were left standing and, as expected, all three have been granted formal approval to develop and operate their venues.

The Casinos

Resorts World is set to upgrade its racino at Aqueduct Racetrack, and the finished site will include nearly 6,000 slot machines and electronic table games. 

The first phase of the project could be completed as early as next year, with the company stating: “RWNYC stands out as the lone bid with the sheer size and readiness to drive new incremental revenue almost immediately, for the highest and best value to New York State.”

Subsequent phases include the construction of a 2,000-room hotel and the addition of 30 restaurants and bars.

Resorts World has stated that the project will cost $5.5 billion, and the group anticipates that the new venue will generate $5 billion annually for the state. 

Hard Rock International’s proposal will see it invest $4 billion to convert parking lots next to Citi Field stadium in Queens. 

It will include a 1,000-room hotel, a 6,000-seat entertainment venue, and 25 acres of athletic fields and green space.

The gaming floor will hold 5,000 slot machines and nearly 400 table games. Construction on the site is expected to commence in early 2026 and be completed by 2030.

In the Bronx, Bally’s will start work on a $4 billion project of its own. The 3 million-square-foot resort will be built on the former Trump Golf Links site. 

The development will feature 500 hotel rooms, a 2,000-seat entertainment venue, a nightclub, spa, and a range of retail and dining venues. 

Bally’s has stated that it expects the site to generate $1 billion in revenue annually, which is lower than the forecasted $4 billion for Hard Rock and $2.7 billion for Resorts World.

Is iGaming Next?

New York could soon see further changes to its gambling market. 

State Senator Joseph Addabbo recently used the signing of Senate Bill 5935, which prevents the operation of sweepstakes casinos in the state, as an opportunity to push the iGaming agenda once more.

Addabbo has unsuccessfully attempted to regulate online casinos in the state in the past few years. 

While announcing the signing of the new bill, Addabbo said: “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.”

Use our list of sweepstakes casinos to find legal options in your area.