A New York state government committee has recommended awarding casino licenses to three significant projects: Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, and Resorts World New York City in Queens.
The announcement came from the five-member Gaming Facility Location Board, which unveiled its long-awaited decision during a public meeting. The move represents a critical step in the state’s plan to expand legitimate casino gambling in New York City, a market long considered one of the most lucrative in the country.
The projects are ambitious in scale and investment. Bally’s plans to build a sprawling casino at Ferry Point in the Bronx, while Hard Rock envisions a venue near Citi Field that anchors a larger entertainment complex. Resorts World, already operating a racino in Queens, would expand into a full-fledged casino, leveraging its existing customer base and infrastructure.
Together, the three projects promise billions of dollars in private investment and thousands of union jobs, with proponents touting the potential for new tax revenue streams to bolster city and state budgets.
Market Strength and Skepticism
Regulators expressed confidence that New York City’s gambling market is strong enough to sustain three casinos within close proximity. Location Board Chair Vicki Been emphasized that consultants took a “very conservative” approach in their analysis, yet still concluded the city could support multiple venues.
However, not everyone supports the proposals. Critics warn of the “cannibalization question“ of whether three casinos clustered in the Bronx and Queens could dilute each other’s customer base, leading to diminished returns.
Community groups have also raised concerns about traffic, neighborhood impacts, and the social costs of expanded gambling. While advisory committees in Queens and the Bronx have already advanced the proposals, final approvals will require continued scrutiny from regulators and local stakeholders.
Domestic Casinos vs. Offshore Casinos
The New York State Gaming Commission licenses domestic casinos, such as Resorts World in Queens and upcoming projects like Bally’s Bronx. It requires them to comply with U.S. laws on fair play, responsible gambling, and taxation. These venues provide transparent oversight, union jobs, and direct contributions to state revenue.
USA online casino sites, by contrast, are licensed outside the United States and accept New Yorkers aged 18 or older. Many offshore sites offer broader game selections or promotional bonuses, making it convenient and lucrative for players on the go.