New York — New York Mets Football Stadium in Queens. A Bronx golf course formerly managed by the president Donald Trump a company. A gambling hall on a horse racing track near John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The three dispersed locations, tucked away from the tourist hub of Manhattan, will become the future homes of New York City’s first Las Vegas-style casino resorts.
The state Gaming Commission on Monday granted the three projects licenses to operate in the lucrative Capital Region market during a meeting held at a riverside park in upper Manhattan.
The committee approved the licenses on the condition that each company appoints an external monitor who will submit regular reports to the authority to ensure that it fulfills its financial and legal obligations, as well as the promised investments it has made to local communities.
Brian O’Dwyer, chairman of the commission, said the state is looking forward to fulfilling the promise of jobs, improved infrastructure and gaming revenue.
“You all have an important task ahead of you, and you can be assured that this committee holds our responsibility to hold your feet to the fire with the utmost respect,” he told the project representatives present.
Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement that the projects will pump billions of dollars into the state’s transportation and education systems and create tens of thousands of jobs.
But a handful of protesters opposed to Hard Rock Mets owner billionaire Steve Cohen’s plan vowed to continue their fight in court. They and other casino opponents worry that the projects will only increase gambling addiction.
“You chose a billionaire over New Yorkers! Shame on you!” The group shouted as they walked out of the meeting.
Cohen and Hard Rock’s proposal calls for… $8.1 billion A casino complex in the parking lot next to the Mets’ Citi Field that will include a performance venue, hotel and retail space.
Bally’s suggested roughly Casino 4 billion dollars at Ferry Point Golf Course in the Bronx which will include a hotel, event center, meeting spaces, restaurants and other amenities.
Resorts World suggested investing more than… 5 billion dollars To expand its slot parlor at Aqueduct Race Track in Queens into a full casino featuring a hotel, dining and entertainment options.
Projects excelled Several other proposals That fell by the wayside during the high-stakes competition.
Among them were three casinos Proposed for Manhattan Which was rejected by local councils, including Caesar’s Palace in the heart of it Times Square Supported by rapper Jay-Z. A plan to build a resort on Brooklyn’s famous Coney Island boardwalk was defeated by local opposition, and MGM abruptly withdrew from the previously crowded lottery, despite local support.
The state Gaming Commission was authorized to license up to three casinos in the New York City area after voters approved a referendum in 2013 to open the door to casino gambling statewide.
Four full casinosall upstate, now offer table games. It also runs the state Nine gambling halls Without the live table games, many are also miles away from Manhattan.
Monday’s decision was, in some ways, largely a formality. Millions of dollars in gambling revenue Already taken into account In the state budget.
A government committee is also charged with examining proposals submitted to the committee Recommended License was granted to all three remaining proposals earlier this month.
Gaming facility location board, at Its written decisionHe said the area’s relatively affluent population and population, coupled with rising tourism, would be able to support all three plans, despite their relative proximity to each other.
The commission said its advisers conservatively estimate that casinos will generate a combined $7 billion in gambling tax revenue from 2027 to 2036, in addition to $1.5 billion in licensing fees and about $6 billion in state and local taxes.
Monday’s decision also means Trump is likely to receive a big award. When Bally’s purchased the city-owned operating rights Ferry Point Golf Course From the Trump Organization in 2023, it agreed to provide a larger sum An additional $115 million If she wins the casino license. Name.
Spokespeople for the Trump Organization did not respond to an email seeking comment Monday on the expected windfall.
___
Follow Philippe Marcelo at https://x.com/philmarcelo