State regulators have just greenlit three major casino gambling proposals around New York City — including one in the Bronx — marking a dramatic shift for local economies and entertainment prospects. The New York Gaming Facility Location Board unanimously approved full licenses for all three bids on December 1, 2025. Among them: a major project in the Bronx by Bally’s Corporation, which now advances to final approval by the state’s Gaming Commission.
From revamped nightlife to job-creation promises, this move may reshape how New Yorkers view leisure, revenue, and growth in the borough. Here’s what you need to know — and why locals browsing bronx.com should take notice.
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What got approved — and where
- The board advanced three downstate casino projects: one in the Bronx and two in Queens.
- The Bronx bid comes from Bally’s Corporation at the city-owned Ferry Point golf course.
- The Queens bids include a major expansion by Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack and a new entertainment-heavy casino complex by Hard Rock near Citi Field.
This is the culmination of a long selection process that started with a crowded field of proposals — many of which faltered along the way.
What the Bronx casino plan includes
The proposed Bally’s casino at Ferry Point is more than a gambling hall. It envisions:
- A hotel with hundreds of rooms
- A full-service casino with table games, slot machines, and entertainment
- Dining, nightlife, and recreational amenities
- Infrastructure investments and community benefits pledged as part of the bid package
If finalized, the project could become a major economic hub — shifting Ferry Point from a public golf site to a bustling entertainment and hospitality complex.
Why this matters now: Economic, social, and community stakes
• Economic boost and jobs
State regulators pitched the licenses as critical for generating revenue and employment. The board has argued these developments support fiscal objectives statewide and deliver on community benefits.
• Community improvements — and controversy
Proponents highlight public-safety investments, transportation upgrades, and economic revitalization. Still, some community members and observers worry about potential downsides: increased traffic, social disruption, or changes to neighborhood character — especially in the historically residential or mixed-use parts of the Bronx.
• A new era for NYC gambling — closer to home
Until now, full-scale casinos with table games existed mainly upstate. By licensing sites in the Bronx and Queens, New York signals a shift to bringing full-service gaming directly into the metropolitan core.
Next steps — What to watch
- The projects must now pass final review by the New York State Gaming Commission, which is expected to deliver a verdict by the end of December.
- If approved, construction timelines, impact studies, and community outreach will kick off — meaning local residents will likely hear much more soon.
- For local workers, entrepreneurs, and neighborhood advocates, this could mean a chance to influence how the development unfolds — from jobs to community input to city planning.
What this means for bronx.com readers
If you follow bronx.com for local news, politics, or community updates, this casino decision may be among the most significant developments in the borough this year. It could affect everything from real estate and job markets to nightlife, public transit, and community resources. Whether you support it — or worry about what it might bring — it’s worth staying informed and engaged as events unfold.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more updates.