There are still three proposals in the running for the downstate New York casino licenses, and each group is trying to win the support of local leaders, unions, and state officials. These projects will build casinos, hotels, performance venues, and jobs at their chosen sites, boosting tax revenue for the state. The right project can bring new life to underused areas, but may also bring more traffic, higher rents, and more pressure on small neighborhoods. New York plans to grant up to three downstate casino licenses, and each of the three finalists hopes to get approval to build the first full commercial casino in New York City.
The license fee may reach $500 million, with billions more required for construction. Local lawmakers will have the final say through zoning and community review panels, so each project must show it has neighborhood support. While casinos attract tourists, they also have a lot of rules. For example, poker rooms, gaming tables, and cash play must follow New York law. A list of new NY poker rooms can help players compare legal rooms and player pools, and keep up with basic rules in the state. This is a talking point, since lawmakers want to make sure any new casino follows the same laws that guide poker, online play, and general gambling activity in New York.
The first proposal comes from Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct in Queens, which already runs video lottery games and wants to upgrade to a full casino with live table games and a larger hotel. The site is proven and can move fast since the building and transit links are already in place. An expanded casino will offer steady jobs and new training programs, but also more traffic on Rockaway Boulevard. Due to this, the community wants stronger plans for transit and public safety. Resorts World says it will add security, fund community programs, and expand hiring for residents.
The second finalist is Bally’s Bronx at Ferry Point, where they want to convert the golf course site into a resort with a casino, hotel, events space, and new public areas. While the Bronx could use a large private investment and year-round jobs, it would also lead to more cars on the Hutchinson River Parkway and a change to the quiet of the neighborhood. Bally’s says it will fund road work, park upgrades, and job training and set up a local advisory group to track promises.
Finally, in Queens near Citi Field, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is working with Hard Rock on a large entertainment complex called Metropolitan Park. They plan to turn the parking lot next to the ballpark into a casino, hotel, green space, music venue, and food hall. The project could bring investment to the area around Flushing Meadows, but it could also affect nearby parks and raise rents in nearby neighborhoods. The site also needs state lawmakers to approve a change since that land is tied to park use. Cohen’s team has pledged community fields, daycare space, and room for small businesses.
Each proposal has its backers and critics, but it’s the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board that will make the final decision next year. Before the vote, each project must pass through separate zoning steps, and community advisory groups must sign off. If a project fails at that stage, it will not advance to the final vote, so public support is key. The last few weeks have been filled with rallies, press events, and long presentations to try to win backing from voters.
State leaders say they will choose the project that shows the most benefit for residents, local workers, and nearby neighborhoods. For now, the race is tight, and each finalist is pushing to secure approval before the final vote.
