New York Casino Race Narrows to Three Finalists

New York’s three remaining downstate casino applicants will move to the final stage of state review, setting up a licensing decision by year’s end. The New York Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) on Monday recommended Bally’s Bronx, Metropolitan Park and Resorts World New York City for full consideration by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC). The decision narrows a field that began with 11 applicants and was trimmed repeatedly over the past year. The NYSGC is expected to decide on up to three licences by 31 December. Each licence carries a minimum cost of $500 million.

 

A Short Public Meeting After Weeks Behind Closed Doors

Monday’s public session lasted roughly 10 minutes. Since 8 October, the GFLB has met weekly in private as it evaluated revenue projections, community benefits and market impacts. Board chair Vicki Been said the panel “determined that awarding all three licences best advances the state’s long-term economic, fiscal and community objectives.” Whether all three would move forward had been uncertain, in part because two of the projects — Metropolitan Park and Resorts World — are located in Queens, raising concerns about competitive cannibalisation.

The announcement drew immediate criticism from some attendees, who chanted “Shame on you!” before being removed. It was unclear which project or decision prompted the protest. Once the meeting resumed, board member Greg Reimers said the board saw no alternative licensing scenario that would generate comparable fiscal benefits. Each project includes commitments to transit and infrastructure improvements, partnerships with local businesses and funding for community groups. Capital investment figures released Monday were lower than the applicants’ earlier total project cost projections because they excluded licence fees and community commitments.

• Bally’s Bronx: $2.3 billion in capital investment (from $4 billion total projected cost)
• Metropolitan Park: $5.3 billion (from $8 billion)
• Resorts World NYC: $3.3 billion (from $7.5 billion)

 

Applicants Welcome the Decision

Genting New York president Robert DeSalvio said Resorts World’s advancement reflects “more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue and opportunities.” Bally’s said it was “grateful for the board’s confidence,” adding that its bid would bring long-term economic benefits and a “world-class entertainment destination” to the Bronx. A Metropolitan Park spokesperson said the recommendation confirms the project’s “positive economic impact,” including billions in expected tax revenue, 23,000 union jobs and more than $1 billion in community benefits.

Bally’s and Metropolitan Park expect to open in 2030. Resorts World, already operating as a video lottery facility, projects a full-casino launch in March 2026, earlier than its previous July 2026 target. The five-member GFLB was assembled quickly this year; four members were appointed in 2025 and none have gaming industry experience. Been said the board leaned heavily on outside consultants, particularly when assessing market projections and applicant revenue estimates.

According to a selection rationale document, the board’s economic analysis was led by Tailored Hospitality Advisors with support from multiple consulting firms. The board estimates the three projects would generate $7 billion in gaming tax revenue and $5.9 billion in other tax revenue between 2027 and 2036. Been stressed the recommendation does not guarantee approval by the NYSGC. “I am not a betting person,” she said when asked whether the commission was likely to follow the board’s lead.

 

No alternative scenarios produce comparable revenue or fiscal benefits. Each project proposes to deliver substantial community benefits, including infrastructure and transit improvements, local business partnerships and significant commitments to community-based organisations.

 

Strong Market Outlook

The board unanimously approved all three bids. It described the downstate region as one of the strongest U.S. gaming markets, citing population density, high household income and significant tourism.

However, the board flagged risks in the applicants’ construction schedules. Resorts World’s planned March 2026 opening “may underestimate regulatory and construction complexities,” the document said. Bally’s Bronx and Metropolitan Park face similar concerns, given project scale and urban conditions. Applicant suitability and integrity reviews will take place during the NYSGC’s licensing phase. Commission chair Brian O’Dwyer has said repeatedly that developers will face rigorous scrutiny. The commission’s final decision is due by 31 December.