The list of contenders for New York’s downstate casino licences has steadily narrowed over the past year—from eleven applicants to eight, then four, and now three finalists. On Monday, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) announced that it is recommending Bally’s Bronx, Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World NYC for licensure.
These three proposals will now advance to the final stage of review by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), which is expected to make its licensing decisions by 31 December. The state may award up to three downstate licences, each costing at least $500 million. Monday’s meeting was largely procedural; the GFLB’s announcement and comments lasted only about 10 minutes. The board has been holding weekly closed-door meetings since 8 October.
In prepared remarks, board chair Vicki Been said the panel concluded that granting all three licences “best advances the state’s long-term economic, fiscal and community objectives.”
Whether all three projects would move forward had been unclear in recent months. Several earlier applicants withdrew, and two of the finalists—Metropolitan Park and Resorts World—are both located in Queens, prompting concerns about potential market overlap. The ultimate decision now rests with the NYSGC.
The meeting ended on a tense note. Attendees shouted “Shame on you!” for several minutes following the announcement before being escorted out. It was not immediately clear which aspect of the decision sparked the protest.
All three New York casino bids selected but costs vary
After order was restored in the meeting, board member Greg Reimers outlined the reasoning behind advancing all three proposals.
“No alternative scenario delivers the same level of revenue or fiscal benefits,” Reimers said, noting that other possible licensing combinations fell short. He added that each project also promises “substantial community benefits,” including infrastructure upgrades, transit improvements, support for local businesses, and strong commitments to community-based organizations.
The investment figures released on Monday were lower than the applicants’ overall project cost estimates, which included licence fees, community benefits, and other expenses.
According to the board, Bally’s capital investment stands at $2.3 billion, compared to its total project cost of $4 billion. Metropolitan Park’s capital investment is projected at $5.3 billion, down from a total cost estimate of $8 billion. Resorts World is listed at $3.3 billion in capital investment, from a total of $7.5 billion.
Applicants eager to clear final licence hurdle
In a statement after Resorts World’s approval, Genting New York chief Robert DeSalvio said the ruling “represents more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue, and opportunities for our neighbors”.
Bally’s said in a statement it is “grateful for the board’s confidence” and was “honoured” to be selected.
“Our team has worked closely with community leaders, union partners, and local stakeholders to build a project that delivers real jobs, lasting economic benefits, and a world-class entertainment destination for the Bronx,” the statement said.
Metropolitan Park spokesman Karl Rickett said in a statement that the board “has validated the positive economic impact this project will have with billions of dollars in tax revenue, 23,000 union jobs, and over $1 billion in community benefits. We look forward to the Gaming Commission’s review.”
Both Bally’s and Metropolitan Park have projected openings in 2030, whereas Resorts World, as an existing facility, has pushed the limit in scheduling its ramp-up. Originally, it projected a July 2026 opening, but its latest projection has it moved up to March.
Bright spotlight for the GFLB
The five-member GFLB found itself at the center of attention this autumn after being formed rapidly in 2025. Four of its members were appointed this year, with the most recent joining on 30 September. Notably, none of the board members have backgrounds in or ties to the gaming industry.
During a press conference after the announcement, Chair Vicki Been said the board relied heavily on outside consultants to guide its decision-making, particularly regarding market projections and performance estimates.
“We ask our consultants to be extremely thorough and conservative,” Been said. “They disagreed with several applicant estimates, believing some were overly optimistic. As a result, all of our revenue projections are based on our consultants’ assessments, not those of the applicants.”
The board projects that the three casino proposals could generate $7 billion in gaming tax revenue and $5.9 billion in additional tax revenue between 2027 and 2036.
According to the selection rationale document, the gaming analysis was “led by Tailored Hospitality Advisors, with support from Advantage Partners Consulting, Klebanow Consulting, Hall Hospitality Advisors, Ben Mammina Development Group, and Thompson Consulting and Analytics.”
Been stressed that the board’s recommendations do not guarantee approval from the New York State Gaming Commission. When asked whether the NYSGC is likely to follow the GFLB’s recommendations, she replied, “I am not a betting person.”
Strong market potential but timelines ‘ambitious’
The rationale document revealed that all three applicants received unanimous approval. Although each proposal raised certain concerns, the overall market was considered fundamentally strong.
“The downstate gaming market is among the most robust in the country due to the region’s dense population, high income levels, and significant tourism activity,” the document stated. “The large number of residents within a two-hour drive of the proposed sites is expected to support long-term visitation, enhanced further by both domestic and international tourists. Each project is well-positioned to attract premium gaming customers through brand recognition, amenities, and facility design.”
The board did not assess applicant suitability or integrity, as those matters fall under the authority of the New York State Gaming Commission. NYSGC chair Brian O’Dwyer has repeatedly emphasized that applicants will be held to the highest standards.
Beyond applicant-specific issues, the board also flagged construction timelines as a potential challenge. All projected schedules were viewed as “ambitious.”
“Resorts World New York City’s aim to open by March 2026 may overlook regulatory and construction complexities, while the mid-2030 target dates for Bally’s Bronx and Hard Rock Metropolitan Park could be optimistic given the scale of the projects and urban limitations,” the rationale noted. “Sustained and careful oversight will be necessary to ensure timely completion.”
