It’s the biggest game in town — and no one wants to fold early. Eight contenders are clawing for a slice of New York City’s future, betting billions on a casino licence that could redefine entire neighbourhoods. But politics, local opposition, and market reality are already reshuffling the deck.
One flashy Bronx bid backed by Bally’s just got knocked out of play after the city council gave it a hard no. That’s left the rest of the hopefuls eyeing each other — and the city — warily. Everyone’s got big ideas. Not everyone’s got the odds in their favour.
Times Square to Coney Island: Where the Big Ideas Are Landing
A Caesars Palace in Times Square? That’s the pitch from SL Green and Caesars Entertainment. It’s bold, brash, and designed to bring high-rolling tourists into Midtown’s neon heart. But critics worry about congestion, security, and the delicate balance of a district already bursting with foot traffic and flashing screens.
Over in Brooklyn, Thor Equities is betting on nostalgia, floating plans for a glitzy complex at Coney Island. It’s the kind of development that could revive the boardwalk — or clash with local vibes and longtime resistance to big-ticket changes.
And then there’s Queens. Hard Rock International, backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen, wants to drop a casino just steps from Citi Field. They’re promising not just a casino, but parks, hotels, even a food hall.
There’s no shortage of ambition, that’s for sure. The real issue? Getting buy-in from everyone involved — locals, politicians, and the state.
Bally’s Bronx Bid Already in the Bin
Well, that didn’t last long.
The Bally’s proposal to build on the site of Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point looked promising on paper. Room to expand, fewer immediate neighbours, and access to a car-friendly patch of the Bronx. But it hit a political wall. The local councilmember said no, and that’s that.
In NYC, local reps hold real sway over land use. Without their support, most projects die on the vine. That’s precisely what happened here. Bally’s might not be out of the casino race altogether — but their Bronx bet is officially busted.
It’s a reminder: even billion-dollar companies can get the boot in a city where zoning politics are part art, part chess match.
Jobs, Promises, and the Reality Check
Every bidder is singing the same tune — jobs, growth, shiny new amenities. Thousands of roles for locals. Billions in new tax revenue. Glorious entertainment complexes.
But how many of these promises actually stick after the ribbon-cutting?
There’s scepticism brewing behind the scenes. Casino expansion in the Northeast has hit saturation. Online gambling is exploding. And even in NYC, locals don’t always welcome slot machines and sports books with open arms.
One casino analyst, David Schwartz of the University of Nevada, put it simply: “It’s not just about where you put a casino. It’s about whether people will go.”
That’s not guaranteed.
Who’s Left in the Race? Here’s a Quick Look
With Bally’s Bronx dreams crushed, the remaining competitors are tightening their pitches. Here’s a simplified look at who’s still in:
| Developer | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars/SL Green | Times Square, Manhattan | High-profile tourist hub |
| Hard Rock/Cohen | Queens (Citi Field) | Integrated sports and entertainment zone |
| Thor Equities | Coney Island, Brooklyn | Seaside resort and economic revival plan |
| Related/Wynn | Hudson Yards, Manhattan | Luxury complex near transit hubs |
| Genting | Queens (Resorts World) | Expansion of existing racino |
| Las Vegas Sands | Nassau County (just outside NYC) | Luxury complex with hotel, spa, casino |
| UE Resorts | Nassau Coliseum area | Asian-themed casino focus |
That table doesn’t even include wildcard pitches being kept under wraps by less vocal groups.
Only three licences are on the table. That means five developers will walk away with nothing — possibly after years of planning.
Local Politics Might Matter More Than the Money
Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just a business deal. It’s a political drama. And in New York, land use and development can be messier than a poker night gone wrong.
Every proposed casino needs approval from a six-person community board — and one “no” can block the whole thing. That gives local councilmembers outsized power. They can demand concessions, delay decisions, or kill proposals altogether.
Mayor Eric Adams has said he supports bringing casinos to NYC. But even he doesn’t control the final hand.
Behind closed doors, lobbying is intense. According to public filings, developers are pouring millions into trying to sway decision-makers — through advertising, community benefits proposals, and campaign donations.
Some neighbourhood groups are pushing back hard. In Coney Island, for instance, many residents say they weren’t consulted. They’re worried about traffic, crime, and losing the area’s character.
Still, casino companies are used to this. They know that to win, they need more than money — they need local love, political cover, and a plan that feels just right for the setting.
What’s Next? Slow, Messy, and High Stakes
The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board opened the application process in 2023. But decisions aren’t expected until 2025. That means a long, drawn-out battle is still ahead — with millions of dollars in PR and politics likely to flow before the dust settles.
Applicants must show not only financial muscle but also local support, impact studies, and public benefit plans. They need to make the case that they’ll do more than make money — they need to make lives better, too.
But here’s the thing: NYC doesn’t always play fair or fast. The politics are layered. The stakes are massive. And just because you’ve got a famous brand and a billion-dollar budget doesn’t mean you’re getting a licence.
The casino companies know it. The communities know it. And anyone watching this play out knows: we’re still only in the early rounds of the game.
