Queens and Bronx Projects Secure New York Casino Licenses
The long battle for three casino licenses in downstate New York ended on December 1, 2025. The Gaming Facility Location Board voted unanimously to award the rights to three proposals located outside of Manhattan. Two licenses went to projects in Queens, and one went to a developer in the Bronx. This decision directs $1.5 billion in licensing fees to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
The Selected Operators
The board approved proposals that promised significant economic development and, in one case, immediate tax revenue. Each selected operator must pay a $500 million fee to the state.
Resorts World New York City (Queens) Genting Group won approval to expand its existing facility at the Aqueduct Racetrack. This $7.5 billion project transforms the current “racino,” which only hosts video lottery terminals, into a full Class III casino.
The new license allows the operator to add live table games like blackjack and roulette. The board favored this bid for its speed. Resorts World can launch these new games within months, generating tax revenue much faster than competitors. Genting agreed to a tax rate of 56% on slot revenue and 30% on table games.
Metropolitan Park (Queens) A partnership between New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International secured the second license.
Their $8 billion plan involves building a complex next to Citi Field in Flushing. The “Metropolitan Park” design includes a casino, hotel, music venue, and 20 acres of public park space.
While the proposal faced political hurdles regarding land use, the developers committed to extensive infrastructure improvements. This ground-up project targets an opening date around 2030.
Bally’s Corporation (The Bronx) The final license went to Bally’s for a resort on the Ferry Point golf course. The company plans to construct a 500,000-square-foot gaming facility, hotel, and event center. 
This project aims to bring jobs and tourism to the Bronx. The deal includes a notable financial arrangement regarding the land lease. Bally’s is contractually obligated to pay the Trump Organization $115 million now that the license is approved.
MGM Withdraws and Manhattan Bids Fail
The final phase of the selection process included a major surprise regarding a presumptive favorite. MGM Resorts withdrew its application for Empire City Casino in Yonkers right before the decision.
The MGM Exit MGM was widely expected to win a full license for its existing Yonkers property. However, the operator pulled out after the state reduced the license term from 30 years to 15 years.
MGM leadership stated that the high capital costs, combined with the $500 million fee and shorter operating window, destroyed the economic value for shareholders.
This withdrawal left local officials in Yonkers frustrated, as they had counted on the expansion for economic growth.
Manhattan Shut Out The board rejected all proposals to put a casino in the heart of New York City. High-profile bids faced too much resistance.
A plan for a Times Square casino, backed by Caesars and Jay-Z, failed to gain traction. Similarly, the Related Companies and Wynn Resorts proposal for Hudson Yards did not survive the final cut.
The committee prioritized projects in the outer boroughs that showed stronger community alignment.
Next Steps
The recommendations from the Location Board now move to the New York State Gaming Commission. This body provides the final rubber stamp, which is expected by December 31, 2025. W
hile Resorts World prepares for a rapid expansion, the construction projects for Bally’s and Metropolitan Park will take several years to reach completion.
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