The New York State Gaming Commission has approved the casino licenses of Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World.
Monday’s license approvals expand New York’s casino market beyond the four commercial casinos currently operating in upstate New York, bringing three new venues to the Bronx and Queens.
As per the December 1 recommendation of the Gaming Facility Location Board, Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World have all secured license approval.
Bally’s Corporation chairman Soo Kim said in a statement Monday that it is an honor and privilege to be selected by the Gaming Commission to receive a license.
“Our team has worked closely with community leaders, union partners, and local stakeholders to build a project that delivers real jobs, lasting economic benefits, and a world-class entertainment destination for the Bronx,” said Kim. “We are grateful for the Board’s confidence and look forward to delivering our project to the community.”
“Today is the culmination of many years of hard work, and we are thankful to all of our stakeholders for their continued support,” added Chris Jewett, senior vice president of corporate development at Bally’s. “This project is a tremendous opportunity for the Bronx community, with more than $765 million in community benefits, thousands of jobs, and other economic development initiatives we will deliver.
“Our top priority now is to complete our pre-construction work as quickly as possible and get shovels in the ground. We can’t wait to bring this exceptional destination to the Bronx.”
Bally’s Bronx will feature 3,500 slot machines, 210 table games, and 40 poker tables.
Bally’s Bronx and Hard Rock Metropolitan Park are both entirely new venues and are expected to open by 2030.
Hard Rock Metropolitan Park will transform 50 acres of asphalt at Citi Field in Queens into an integrated casino resort and entertainment district. The casino will host 5,000 slot machines, 375 table games, and 30 poker tables.
The new casino at Resorts World New York City will be an expansion of the existing slots-only gaming venue in Jamaica, Queens.
Resorts World New York will invest $5.5 billion to expand the 72-acre Aqueduct site to a full casino with a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor hosting 6,000 slot machines and 800 live table games, with the first phase of the casino expected to open in March 2026.
The three venues will generate $1.5 billion in license fees and an estimated $7 billion in incremental tax revenue from 2027 to 2036.