Lady Luck was on the side of three NY casino licenses earlier this December.
In a unanimous vote on the first of the month, the Gaming Facility Location Board approved Metropolitan Park at Willets Point, Queens, Resorts World New York City at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, and Bally’s Bronx in Throggs Neck.
Two weeks later, all three proposals are officially moving forward. The first gaming hub — a “Vegas-style” resort casino, per multiple outlets — will get up and running in 2026 (Resorts World) and the other two attractions will follow four years later.
“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,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
Looks like a shakeup in NYC’s entertainment field is in the cards after years of planning.
All about the NYC casinos
This news comes on the heels of the Times Square Casino bid folding in September and withdrawal of the The Hudson Yards Casino in the spring.
Despite their inability to move forward — and communities’ opposition to these developments — it appears our outer boroughs are embracing what’s ahead.
“Congratulations on behalf of the state of New York,” Brian O’Dwyer, chair of the New York state Gaming Commission, said in a statement, according to Gothamist. “ We look forward to seeing the jobs, economic development, infrastructure and gaming revenue come to fruition.”
The publication further reports that New York State is predicting financial return that exceeds the $500 million licensing fee each of casinos is required to pay.
“From the moment that three downstate casino licenses were authorized in the 2022 State Budget, I have been clear: any approved project must provide real benefits to its community and have sustainable economic plans,” Governor Kathy Hochul previously stated.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more information.