The New York State Gaming Commission is set to meet at 1 p.m. on Monday to decide whether to approve three full‑scale casino projects in Queens and the Bronx.
Projects under review
The pending approvals cover Bally’s casino hotel on a former Trump‑owned golf course in the Bronx, a Hard Rock casino complex proposed next to Citi Field in Queens, and an expansion of Resort World’s racino at the Aqueduct Racetrack near JFK Airport.
Economic promises
Bally’s expects the Bronx casino to generate nearly $400 million in annual tax revenue and support about 4,000 permanent jobs, while also agreeing to pay the Trump Organization $115 million for its remaining interest in the site.
Hard Rock, partnered with Mets owner Steve Cohen, projects more than $1 billion a year in tax revenue and over 6,000 permanent jobs.
Resort World, already operating a racino at Aqueduct, says its full‑scale casino would create roughly 5,000 permanent jobs and also produce more than $1 billion in yearly tax revenue.
Political context
Governor Kathy Hochul has said the three projects could unlock billions of funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and create tens of thousands of jobs.
Earlier in November, the five‑member board conducted site visits to all three locations before issuing its licensing recommendations.
Historical background
The casino approval process stems from the 2013 amendment allowing up to seven casinos, with three earmarked for the city. The four upstate casinos received priority in the rollout.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which casino projects are awaiting the State Gaming Commission’s decision?
The commission is reviewing Bally’s proposed casino hotel in the Bronx, Hard Rock’s casino complex near Citi Field in Queens, and Resort World’s expansion at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.
What economic impact do the developers claim their projects will have?
Bally’s projects nearly $400 million in annual tax revenue and about 4,000 jobs; Hard Rock projects over $1 billion in tax revenue and more than 6,000 jobs; and Resort World expects over $1 billion in tax revenue and roughly 5,000 jobs.
How did New York’s casino‑licensing framework originate?
In 2013, voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing up to seven casinos statewide, with three reserved for the New York City region, giving the four upstate sites an early start.
What are your thoughts on the balance between economic benefits and community concerns?