3 New Casinos Have Been Approved For NYC: What To Know

NEW YORK CITY — A state board voted on Monday to award three licenses to operate casinos in New York City.

The Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park gaming complex near Citi Field, Resorts World Queens and Bally's Bronx were chosen by The New York Gaming Facility Location Board to receive a downstate casino license.

The board voted unanimously 5-0.

Bally's Bronx would have to pay $115 million to the Trump Organization as part of an agreement the two groups made in 2023. That is on top of the $60 million that Bally's already paid to buy the rights to operate at the location.

In addition, the $4 billion project would include a resort on 16 acres of land near the Whitestone Bridge.

Resorts World Queens, an estimated $5.5 million project — would expand the existing site at the Aqueduct Racetrack to include 800 gaming tables and 6,000 slot machines.

In addition, Resort Worlds has plans to build 2,000 hotel rooms, a new arena, more bars and restaurants, as well as a spa and day club. The project will also have 12-acres of public green space.

Metropolitan Park, backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen, is set to be located on the parking lots surrounding Citi Field.

The $8 billion project would include a Hard Rock resort and casino, a 25-acre public park, as well as new retail stores and restaurants.

In addition, the project would include a redevelopment of the Mets-Willets Point subway station, according to officials.

The three New York City casino projects will now go in front of The state Gaming Commission, who will either ratify or reject the proposals by the end of the year.

Each winning proposal is required to pay a $500 million license fee up front. The estimated $1.5 billion in license fees will go to the MTA.