The decision is now in the hands of state gaming commissioners, who will determine the next big casino owners in downstate New York. On Monday, the State Gaming Facility Location Board will choose up to three new casino licenses from a shrinking pool of bidders. Initially 11 firms had shown interest, but only three remain in the running—yet the board, which has five members, can decide to issue none of the permits.
The statewide administration has strong incentives to award three contracts, even though casino opponents and other critics have voiced concerns. Each applicant must pay a $500 million license fee, which would help replenish the state’s budget, and commit at least $500 million toward the development of their projects.
Among the contenders is Mets owner Steve Cohen, who plans an $8 billion casino complex adjacent to Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. The Hard Rock Metropolitan Park group is partnering on the proposal, which would feature a concert hall and additional amenities.
Bally’s is pursuing a $4 billion plan for a Bronx casino on a former Trump golf course, while Resorts World is proposing a $5.5 billion expansion of its existing operations at Queens’ Aqueduct race track, where parlor games are already in place.
Representatives for Cohen‑Hard Rock and Resorts World declined to comment on the matter. Bally’s chairman Soo Kim told reporters that his outlook for securing a license was optimistic, saying, “We put our best effort out there. I don’t think we have any weak spots.” Bally’s acquired the golf course at Ferry Point from the Trump Organization in 2023, renaming it Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. As part of the agreement, Bally’s pledged an additional $115 million to the Trump Organization if it wins the license. Kim dismissed concerns that Trump might profit unduly, remarking, “Trump gets a fair deal. The Bronx gets a great deal.”
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