New York’s First Vegas-Style Casinos Get Official Approval

New York City is officially entering the era of large-scale resort casinos, but not where most people expected. State regulators have approved three Las Vegas-style casino projects, all located outside Manhattan, marking a major expansion of gambling in the metropolitan area.

The licenses were awarded in mid December by the New York State Gaming Commission, clearing the way for casino developments in Queens and the Bronx. The selected sites include land adjacent to the New York Mets’ Citi Field, a Bronx golf course once operated by Donald Trump’s company, and the Aqueduct Racetrack near John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Each project will operate under additional oversight. Regulators require the casino operators to appoint independent monitors who will report directly to the commission, ensuring financial compliance and follow-through on community investment promises.

State officials framed the decision as a long-term economic play. Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said the projects are expected to deliver jobs, infrastructure upgrades, and sustained revenue, adding that regulators intend to closely track each operator’s commitments. Governor Kathy Hochul echoed that sentiment, stating the casinos are projected to inject billions into public transit and education while creating tens of thousands of jobs statewide.

Not everyone welcomed the decision. Protesters opposed to the Citi Field project, backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, disrupted the meeting and accused regulators of prioritizing wealthy developers over local residents. Opponents argue that expanding casino access could worsen gambling-related harm, and some groups have signaled plans to challenge the approvals in court.

The three winning proposals involve massive investments. The Citi Field development is valued at approximately $8.1 billion and includes a casino, hotel, entertainment venue, and retail space. Bally’s plans to invest around $4 billion at the Bronx’s Ferry Point golf course, adding hospitality, dining, and event facilities. Meanwhile, Resorts World intends to spend over $5 billion transforming its existing Aqueduct slots venue into a full-scale casino resort.

Several high-profile bids failed to advance, including proposed casinos in Times Square, Coney Island, and other Manhattan locations. Despite those rejections, regulators concluded that the region’s population density, tourism levels, and spending power could support all three approved projects.

State analysts estimate the casinos could generate roughly $7 billion in gambling tax revenue between 2027 and 2036, along with billions more in licensing fees and local taxes. For New York, the ambition to build Las Vegas–style casino resorts has crossed from planning into reality, the chips are officially on the table.