Casinos and Gambling Industry

A state panel recommended awarding three New York City‑area casino licenses — Bally’s Ferry Point project in the Bronx, Steve Cohen’s Hard Rock plan next to Citi Field, and an expansion of Resorts World near JFK — and the State Gaming Commission is expected to formally issue the licenses before year-end with revenues already included in the state budget. Bally’s proposal is a $4 billion project that would include a $115 million payment to the Trump Organization if licensed, Hard Rock is an $8.1 billion complex with a 5,000+‑seat venue, 1,000‑room hotel and retail space, and the board meeting was interrupted by anti‑casino protesters amid the elimination of several rival bids, including a Jay‑Z–backed Times Square Caesars proposal and MGM’s earlier Yonkers withdrawal.