New York Selects Three Downstate Casino Projects as Licensing Phase Begins

New York’s long-running effort to award three downstate casino licences has reached a significant turning point, with state officials selecting projects backed by Hard Rock, Resorts World, and Bally’s to move forward. The decision positions New York City and its surrounding boroughs for one of the most significant gambling expansions in the state’s history, setting the stage for licensing, approvals, and construction.

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board finalised its choices after an extended review process that evaluated economic impact, community engagement, job creation, design plans, and long-term revenue potential. The three winning proposals,  Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park project in Queens, Resorts World’s expansion at Aqueduct Racetrack, and Bally’s proposed casino in the Bronx, now move to the New York State Gaming Commission for final approval.

Does New York Need These Casinos?

The decision to add three new downstate casinos comes at a time when New York is relying more heavily on gaming revenue to support public projects, including future MTA funding. Supporters point to thousands of union jobs, tourism growth, and billions in projected tax revenue as reasons the projects make financial sense.

Critics, however, question whether additional casinos will create new economic activity or simply redistribute existing spending. Concerns about congestion, neighbourhood impacts, and responsible gambling remain key issues for residents near the proposed sites.

What isn’t in doubt is demand. New York’s gaming market is one of the busiest in the country, with participation in online casinos and sports betting continuing to grow. The state is betting that these new developments will harness that momentum and turn it into long-term revenue.

Community Benefits and Economic Promises

Each project emphasised its potential to deliver large-scale community benefits, a central requirement of the state’s evaluation. The developments differ in size and design but share similar expectations: thousands of union construction jobs, long-term employment opportunities, and substantial tax contributions.

Hard Rock Metropolitan Park plans to overhaul the area around Citi Field by turning large sections of the parking lot into a mixed-use precinct featuring green space, entertainment venues, and a full-scale casino. The developers expect extensive job creation, with a focus on hiring local residents, and aim to build a new transit link for improved access to the site.

Resorts World New York City, already operating gaming machines at Aqueduct, plans a major upgrade to become a full casino. The company forecasts a rapid construction timeline due to its existing footprint. It expects to generate billions in new revenue for the state within a few years of receiving its full licence.

Bally’s Bronx is proposing a large-scale resort built near its Ferry Point golf course. The project includes thousands of union jobs, an integrated hotel, entertainment facilities, and more than half a billion dollars in community benefits. The development also outlines funding for local parkland improvements and infrastructure upgrades.

Why These Three Bids Emerged on Top

The race for New York’s downstate casino licenses started with a wide field, but most proposals fell away as community advisory committees withdrew support or raised concerns about local impact. One operator dropped out late in the process, further narrowing the options. The three projects that ultimately advanced did so because they demonstrated solid financial backing, clear development timelines, and the ability to operate sustainably in one of the most competitive gaming markets in the country.

Hard Rock and Resorts World were seen as able to operate successfully even in close proximity to each other, according to state consultants. Companies with extensive experience in large-scale casino operations and longstanding community relationships back both projects.

Bally’s secured its position through a combination of job creation pledges, investment size, and its strategy of integrating the project with existing Bronx business and entertainment precincts.

Projected Timelines and Next Administrative Steps

Although each project is moving forward, timelines differ considerably.

Resorts World, as an expansion of an existing venue, is best positioned to open its upgraded casino first, with projections pointing to early or mid-2026. Hard Rock’s and Bally’s large greenfield developments are not expected to be completed until around 2030.

Before construction begins, the New York State Gaming Commission must grant final approval and issue licences, each carrying a US$500 million fee. The deadline for the commission’s decision is set for the end of December, though further regulatory steps and zoning considerations will follow.

Significant Revenue Expected for New York

State projections show the three casinos could generate around US$7 billion in gaming tax revenue over their first decade of operation. Additional contributions from licensing fees, hotel occupancy taxes, entertainment spending, and surrounding economic activity are expected to bolster the state’s finances.

Revenue from the casinos has already been factored into future budgets, including substantial support for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The expectation of long-term financial gains played a major role in accelerating the final approval process.

Support and Ongoing Opposition

While many business groups, unions, and local officials welcomed the outcome, opposition remains in parts of Queens and the Bronx. Some community groups argue that casinos may not deliver promised long-term benefits and could increase financial risk for vulnerable residents. Environmental organisations have also raised concerns about infrastructure capacity and the impact of large-scale developments on local waterways and public spaces.

Despite the pushback, state officials appear confident the chosen developments can proceed responsibly. The review process included site visits, public consultations and economic modelling designed to estimate how the projects would perform under various market conditions.

A Transformative Moment for New York’s Gaming Landscape

If final approval is granted, New York City will see the most significant gambling expansion in its history. The combination of population density, tourism numbers, and high disposable income gives the downstate region the potential to become one of the most lucrative casino markets in the country.

Hard Rock, Resorts World and Bally’s are preparing for what could become a defining shift in the state’s commercial gaming sector,  one that reshapes entertainment districts, creates thousands of jobs and positions New York as a major force in the U.S. casino industry.