The latest headline in New York City is a massive casino push: the state’s gaming commission closed the chapter on three high‑profile projects that will bring Las Vegas‑style gambling to the Big Apple.
On Monday the commission gave final approval to:
* Steve Cohen’s and Hard Rock’s $8.1 billion plan to build a gaming complex next to Citi Field,
* Genting‑Resorts World’s casino at the Aqueduct Racetrack,
* Bally’s proposal to open a casino on the former Trump golf course at Ferry Point in the Bronx.
“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,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
“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.”
Genting‑Resorts World already runs slot machines at Aqueduct, so live table games could start as early as March. The approvals put an end to the last‑minute scramble for licensing that had even seen rapper Jay‑Z proposing a Times Square casino.
Cohen celebrated the win with a statement: “Since the day I bought the team, the community and Mets fans have made it clear to me that we can and should do better with the area around the ballpark.
Now, we are going to be able to deliver the sports and entertainment district that our fans have been asking for.” The Hard Rock proposal, shown on a rendering next to Citi Field, also emphasizes the new sports‑entertainment vision for Queens.
Bally’s chairman Soo Kim, on a call from Sydney, Australia, expressed excitement: “We were underestimated. I never considered our bid a dark horse. It’s a great development.”
Kim grew up in Queens, and the opportunity to operate a casino on the former Trump golf course feels like a jackpot for Bally’s. As part of the deal, Bally’s will pay $115 million to the Trump Organization for the lease of the former course.
These three approvals now set the stage for New York City’s biggest casino expansion in decades, promising new jobs, tax revenue, and a boost to local communities.
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