New York State regulators have formally approved three casino licenses that will bring full-scale, Las Vegas-style gambling to New York City for the first time. The decision, finalized Monday by the New York State Gaming Commission, concludes a process that began more than a decade ago and narrowed a crowded field of applicants down to three projects located in Queens and the Bronx.

The approved developments include Bally’s casino-hotel planned for Ferry Point Park in the Bronx, a Hard Rock-backed gaming and entertainment complex near Citi Field in Queens, and an expansion of the existing Resorts World facility at the Aqueduct Racetrack near John F. Kennedy International Airport. The commission’s vote followed earlier recommendations from the Gaming Facility Location Board and effectively removed the final regulatory barrier for the projects.

Governor Kathy Hochul welcomed the decision, highlighting the anticipated economic impact across the city and the state. “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,” Hochul said according to ABC 7 New York. “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. That is what New Yorkers expect and what they deserve.”

Casino Licenses Finalized After Years of Review

The approvals stem from a 2013 statewide referendum that amended the New York Constitution to permit up to seven commercial casinos, with a maximum of three allowed in the New York City region. Four upstate casinos received licenses earlier and began operating table games, while the downstate licenses remained on hold until the expiration of exclusivity provisions.

Interest in the city licenses intensified in recent years, drawing proposals tied to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Some high-profile bids ultimately failed, including plans for casinos in Times Square, Coney Island, and Hudson Yards. A Caesars Palace proposal backed by rapper Jay-Z was rejected by local boards, while MGM withdrew its Yonkers bid in October.

By early December, only three proposals remained. Another state panel endorsed all three earlier this month, making Monday’s commission vote largely procedural. Still, the decision drew opposition from some community members, including protesters who interrupted the meeting to object to the Queens proposal tied to Mets owner Steve Cohen.

Brian O’Dwyer, chair of the Gaming Commission, said the state expects the projects to deliver on promises related to employment, infrastructure improvements, and revenue generation. Each license includes a requirement that operators hire an independent monitor to oversee compliance with state law and community benefit agreements.

Details of the Bronx and Queens Projects

Bally’s received a 15-year license to develop a casino-hotel complex on its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at Ferry Point Park, a site formerly operated by the Trump Organization. The project includes plans for 3,500 slot machines, 210 table games, 40 poker tables, a 500-room hotel, a 2,000-seat event center, parking garages, and additional amenities.

The company has proposed a local benefits package valued at $765 million and will pay a $500 million license fee earmarked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Bally’s estimates the project will generate nearly $400 million in annual tax revenue and support close to 4,000 permanent jobs. As part of the agreement, Bally’s will also pay the Trump Organization $115 million to acquire its remaining interest in the site.

Bally’s Chair Soo Kim said the license represents a milestone for the company. “Bally’s is betting on the Bronx. Having grown up in the city, it’s an honor and privilege to be selected by the Gaming Commission to receive a license,” Kim said. “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.”

In Queens, Cohen and Hard Rock International plan to redevelop roughly 50 acres of Citi Field parking lots into a mixed-use district anchored by a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The proposal includes restaurants, bars, a live music venue, and a Taste of Queens food hall, with about half of the land converted into public park space. Supporters project more than $1 billion a year in tax revenue and over 6,000 permanent jobs.

“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,” Cohen said. “Now, we are going to be able to deliver the sports and entertainment district that our fans have been asking for.”

The third license went to Genting’s Resorts World, which already operates slot machines at Aqueduct. Because the facility is already active, Genting could begin offering live table games as early as March, potentially making it the first of the three to open. The company estimates the expanded casino will create 5,000 permanent jobs and generate more than $1 billion annually in tax revenue.

Economic Impact and Community Debate

State analysts estimate the three casinos will collectively produce about $7 billion in gaming tax revenue over the next decade, in addition to billions more in state and local taxes and $1.5 billion in license fees. Supporters argue the dense population and tourism base of the metropolitan area can sustain all three developments despite their proximity.

Opposition has focused on concerns about traffic, environmental strain, and gambling addiction. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents parts of Queens, warned about broader neighborhood effects. “Casinos bring real risks to surrounding neighborhoods. Increased traffic and environmental strain. The spread of problem gambling and addiction. Pressure on small businesses and faith institutions that hold our communities together,” Ramos said. “And in areas like Roosevelt Avenue, where we are already confronting organized criminal activity, projects like this risk accelerating illicit economies and exploitation rather than stabilizing our streets.”

Despite objections, the Gaming Commission concluded that each proposal met statutory requirements and demonstrated sufficient community backing through advisory council reviews. With licenses now granted, developers can move forward with construction timelines that stretch into the next decade, marking a new chapter for legalized casino gaming in New York City.