On December 15th, the New York State Gaming Commission voted on three commercial casino facility applications, including the contentious “Metropolitan Park” next to the Citi Field, Resorts World NYC in South Queens, and Bally’s in the Bronx. The commission issued “conditional” casino facility licenses, sparking reactions from both supporters and opponents.
Governor Ho Chu stated in a release that the approved casinos are expected to bring in billions of dollars in revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and education system, create tens of thousands of job opportunities, and provide significant benefits to surrounding communities. She emphasized that all projects have made important commitments to serving the community and the state of New York. The Gaming Commission will hold operators accountable to ensure they fulfill their promises, setting a standard that New York residents expect and deserve.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards also endorsed the “Metropolitan Park” project, highlighting its potential to create thousands of high-paying jobs, support local street vendors, and drive regional development, making it a successful initiative on multiple fronts.
Chairman of the Gaming Commission, Brian O’Dwyer, expressed during the meeting that the three approved projects are anticipated to bring substantial economic benefits to New York State, including job opportunities, infrastructure investments, and gambling-related tax revenue.
However, protests erupted at the venue when the commission voted to approve the casino application for “Metropolitan Park.” Subsequently, several community groups released statements criticizing the state government for approving three described as “predatory” casinos. They accused Governor Ho Chu of siding with billionaires and large corporations instead of ordinary New York residents, demanding she resign.
Opponents stressed that the casino decisions not only went against public opinion but were also seen as a direct harm to immigrant communities, as they could exacerbate issues such as gambling addiction, financial stress, and community unrest. Even before the decisions were made, over 30 religious leaders and representatives of Queens representing over 10,000 citizens had formally opposed the plans.
This approval marks the end of the “casino licensing battle.” Several heavyweight applicants had vied for the scarce state gaming licenses, including a proposal supported by rapper Jay-Z for a casino in Times Square, which ultimately did not make the cut. In contrast, Resorts World NYC only needs to expand its current gambling facilities, with reports suggesting it could offer new gaming options as early as March next year.
On the same day, the New York State Gaming Commission also passed a new system for casino license terms and renewals based on investment amounts. Licenses will be graded in duration, with those investing under $15 billion having a 10-year term, and the longer the investment scale, the longer the license validity. Projects exceeding $10 billion could have a license validity period of up to 30 years.