Bally’s Corporation hit a major roadblock in its quest to build a casino at Ferry Point in the Bronx after the New York City Council refused to hold a critical vote that would move the project forward. The delay threatens Bally’s bid for one of three available casino licenses in the New York area, with applications due June 27.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and the legislative body decided not to vote on the measure. Without this approval, the state lawmakers cannot consider the land-use changes needed for the casino project. While established casino operators continue to streamline their traditional verification processes, many players are looking for alternatives that allow them to play without document checks. These platforms have grown popular among players seeking faster, more private gaming experiences through cryptocurrency transactions that bypass traditional banking requirements.
In 2023, Bally’s purchased and renamed the former Trump golf course at Ferry Point. Under the deal, Bally’s would owe Trump’s organization another $115 million if it wins one of the state casino licenses. The proposed development includes a casino complex with a hotel, event center, spa facilities, parking structures, meeting rooms, and retail outlets.
Sources within the Council said Bally’s doesn’t have enough backing from members to move the bill forward. One insider told reporters the company struggled to build support through its outreach efforts, and another explained that measures usually don’t come up for votes without confirmed backing. Bally’s has pledged over $600 million in community benefits and infrastructure investments tied to the proposal.
Community Board 10 strongly opposed the project, voting 29 to 5 against it at a contentious March meeting. Residents were concerned about increased traffic, public safety issues, and the potential loss of parkland. The meeting grew so disruptive that officials removed the audience and conducted the vote behind closed doors.
Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim blamed competing casino companies for what he described as behind-the-scenes efforts to turn lawmakers against the project by focusing on its connection to Trump. Kim told The New York Post that opponents were saying, “If Bally’s wins, Trump benefits,” calling such claims misguided given the project’s potential benefits for the Bronx.
A major hurdle remains the need for state legislation to reclassify the parkland for commercial use. While Bronx State Senator Nathalia Fernandez would sponsor such legislation in Albany if the Council provides approval, no bill has been drafted yet. Fernandez acknowledged concerns about the Trump payout but described it as necessary to remove the Trump Organization from the property.
Time is running short for the project. The state legislature wraps up its session in mid-June, while the Council has just one more scheduled meeting on June 11. Bally’s needs approval from both the city and state before the June 27 casino license application deadline.
Lincoln Restler, Brooklyn Councilman who is head of the committee that handles state statutes, said Bally’s would get another chance in the following weeks. However, time constraints make approval increasingly challenging.
Bronx residents and officials remain split on the proposal. Republican Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato represents the Ferry Point area and apparently opposes the project but hasn’t made public statements yet. At the same time, multiple Democratic representatives from the borough are pushing to gather support for the casino.
The debate exemplifies the typical tensions that arise when casino developers seek approval in New York, where local economic interests frequently clash with neighborhood opposition and state laws. The City Council approved similar legislation for the Citi Field casino proposal by Steve Cohen, who owns the Mets, which then passed smoothly through both houses of the state government.
Time is running out for Bally’s as the state Gaming Commission plans to award licenses in late 2025. The company must find ways to win over skeptical lawmakers and community leaders before the approval window closes. Whether Bally’s can turn around the opposition and gain the support it needs will decide if this major Bronx project gets built or becomes another failed casino proposal in the region.
