Overview
- The Gaming Facility Location Board voted 5-0 to recommend Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World at Aqueduct, and Bally’s at Ferry Point for downstate casino licenses.
- Each developer must pay a $500 million upfront fee, with the proceeds largely earmarked for the MTA, and meet significant capital and community-benefit obligations.
- Board consultants projected nearly $7 billion in gaming tax revenue between 2027 and 2036, plus $1.5 billion in one-time licensing fees.
- Resorts World says it can begin table games within about 90 days of licensure, while the ground-up resorts in Queens and the Bronx target openings around 2030.
- The vote drew protests at the meeting, and Bally’s agreement includes a $115 million payment to the Trump Organization contingent on licensure, reflecting continued public scrutiny.