New York State Panel Gives Green Light to Three Casino Projects in Bronx and Queens
In a major move, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has recommended three casino projects in the Bronx and Queens for full-fledged gaming licenses. The Bally's Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World New York City proposals were given the nod by the five-member board after demonstrating their ability to generate substantial economic activity and jobs.
The $2.3 billion Bally's Bronx project is set to open in 2030 and will feature a 500-room hotel, two parking garages, a 2000-seat event center, as well as golf course, night club, and 10 food and beverage venues. The project has been touted as a game-changer for the Bronx, with estimates suggesting it could generate nearly $1 billion in annual revenue.
The Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, valued at $5.3 billion, is another high-profile project set to open in 2030. This Queens-based casino will boast two hotels, a 5,600-seat entertainment venue, and 15 restaurants and bars. Despite initial controversy over the proposal's impact on local communities, it appears that the board has taken a stance in favor of the project.
Lastly, Resorts World New York City, a $3.3 billion expansion of existing gaming facilities at Aqueduct Racetrack, is scheduled to open next year. The new casino will feature a hotel expansion, an expanded event center, and day club, among other amenities.
The board's decision comes after a lengthy review process that saw several projects come and go. While the state Gaming Commission holds the final say in awarding licenses, the board's recommendations carry significant weight. According to Vicki L. Been, chair of the location board, the decisions were made with "utmost seriousness."
As Governor Kathy Hochul stated in a recent announcement, the approved projects promise to bring in billions of dollars for transportation funding and create tens of thousands of jobs. However, it remains to be seen whether these promises will be kept, as the Gaming Commission reviews the board's recommendations in the coming weeks.
The approval process has not been without controversy, with half a dozen demonstrators showing up at the announcement event to express their opposition. Nevertheless, the decision marks an important step towards bringing full-fledged gaming to the New York City region, which is expected to generate substantial revenue for the state over the next decade.
In a major move, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has recommended three casino projects in the Bronx and Queens for full-fledged gaming licenses. The Bally's Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World New York City proposals were given the nod by the five-member board after demonstrating their ability to generate substantial economic activity and jobs.
The $2.3 billion Bally's Bronx project is set to open in 2030 and will feature a 500-room hotel, two parking garages, a 2000-seat event center, as well as golf course, night club, and 10 food and beverage venues. The project has been touted as a game-changer for the Bronx, with estimates suggesting it could generate nearly $1 billion in annual revenue.
The Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, valued at $5.3 billion, is another high-profile project set to open in 2030. This Queens-based casino will boast two hotels, a 5,600-seat entertainment venue, and 15 restaurants and bars. Despite initial controversy over the proposal's impact on local communities, it appears that the board has taken a stance in favor of the project.
Lastly, Resorts World New York City, a $3.3 billion expansion of existing gaming facilities at Aqueduct Racetrack, is scheduled to open next year. The new casino will feature a hotel expansion, an expanded event center, and day club, among other amenities.
The board's decision comes after a lengthy review process that saw several projects come and go. While the state Gaming Commission holds the final say in awarding licenses, the board's recommendations carry significant weight. According to Vicki L. Been, chair of the location board, the decisions were made with "utmost seriousness."
As Governor Kathy Hochul stated in a recent announcement, the approved projects promise to bring in billions of dollars for transportation funding and create tens of thousands of jobs. However, it remains to be seen whether these promises will be kept, as the Gaming Commission reviews the board's recommendations in the coming weeks.
The approval process has not been without controversy, with half a dozen demonstrators showing up at the announcement event to express their opposition. Nevertheless, the decision marks an important step towards bringing full-fledged gaming to the New York City region, which is expected to generate substantial revenue for the state over the next decade.