Bronx Casino Bid Advances In New York City

A key vote by the New York City Council has breathed new life into Bally’s Corporation’s $4 billion casino proposal for the Bronx, positioning the project as a viable contender for one of the state’s coveted downstate gaming licenses.

The council on Wednesday approved a zoning change necessary for Bally’s to move forward, passing the measure 32-12 with seven abstentions. The approval allows the bid to progress to Albany, just days before the end of the state’s legislative session.

This vote is part of New York State’s “home rule” process, which gives cities the authority to enact certain laws at the local level before state legislation can proceed. Under typical circumstances, such a rezoning measure would require a two-thirds council majority. But in this case, Mayor Eric Adams issued a formal message of support for the bill, lowering the threshold to a simple majority—a move his office said was intended to maintain a broad pool of competitive casino applicants citywide.

Expanding the Field

The Bronx proposal is one of eight currently under consideration for three available downstate licenses. Three proposals are located in Manhattan, two in Queens, one in Brooklyn, and one—the Bally’s project—in the Bronx. A racino in Yonkers operated by MGM is also vying for a full casino license.

Three earlier proposals, including bids from major casino operators Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands, have already been withdrawn. The deadline for submitting formal applications is June 27.

Several council members who supported the Bronx rezoning measure acknowledged that their vote was more about keeping options open than an endorsement of the project itself.

“We appreciate the City Council, including the speaker and Bronx delegation in particular, for recognizing the opportunity that this project can afford to the Bronx and the City as a whole,” said Christopher Jewett, Bally’s senior vice president of corporate development.

The Bally’s proposal would transform the existing Bally’s Links at Ferry Point into a 500,000-square-foot casino complex, featuring a 500-room hotel and an events center, among other amenities. However, the development has become politically sensitive due to its ties to former President Donald Trump.

Bally’s acquired the Ferry Point golf course from the Trump Organization in 2023, agreeing to pay an additional $115 million if it secures a casino license. The connection has raised concerns among some city officials and community members. At a prior council meeting in May, the vote was delayed—prompting Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim to accuse opponents of politically motivated obstruction.

Mayor Adams' office has denied that Trump’s potential financial benefit played any role in the administration’s support for the project. Bally’s has attempted to bolster local goodwill, citing efforts such as a free shuttle bus service and an $8.5 million donation to a Bronx Catholic school to prevent its closure.

Internal Divisions

The council’s decision ran counter to the position of local Bronx Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, who called the project a “bad proposal” approved through a “disgraceful process.” Similar intra-district political conflicts have played out elsewhere, notably in Queens, where Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino bid advanced through alternate legislative sponsorship despite opposition from the district’s state senator.

In Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano has urged state officials to expedite licensing for two existing racinos—including MGM’s Empire City—arguing that they are ready to operate and enjoy community support.

Even with local approval, Bally’s faces steep challenges. The company is currently managing multiple large-scale projects, including a $1.7 billion permanent casino in Chicago, which has experienced delays and funding complications. Bally’s is also preparing to redevelop the Tropicana site on the Las Vegas Strip, in coordination with the planned Las Vegas A’s baseball stadium.

 

Their actions today allow us to move forward to the next step of making this happen for NYC.

 

The Future

Internationally, Bally’s has committed to a major investment in Australia’s Star Entertainment, which is facing legal and financial scrutiny over anti-money laundering violations.

Still, with several competitors faltering or withdrawing, Bally’s remains in contention. A vote on another proposal—Thor Equities’ bid for a casino in Coney Island—is scheduled for Thursday, and many of the Manhattan-based projects remain mired in environmental review. By the end of June, Bally’s may find itself among a shrinking group of viable candidates, with the Bronx rezoning vote serving as a pivotal moment in a high-stakes race for New York’s gaming future.