It’s a Big Apple casino jackpot.
Three high-profile casino projects got their final approval Monday from the state’s gaming commission – the last hurdle to bring Las Vegas-style gambling to the city.
The projects are Mets owner Steve Cohen’s and Hard Rock’s $8.1 billion plan to bring a gaming complex near Citi Field, Genting-Resorts World’s casino at Aqueduct Racetrack and Bally’s plan to open a casino on President Trump’s former golf course in the Bronx.
A rendering of the proposed Bronx casino. Ballysbronx.com“The three approved casinos will generate billions of dollars for the MTA and education, create tens of thousands of jobs and deliver real benefits to their surrounding communities,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
“Each of the projects made significant commitments to their communities and to New York State, and the Gaming Commission was clear that they will hold these projects accountable and make sure they keep their promises.”
Genting-Resorts could offer live table games as early as March — because they already operate slots at Aqueduct and have an operational gaming facility.
The approvals end a topsy-turvy race by casino hopefuls – including rapper Jay-Z, who pushed a Times Square casino – to snatch up coveted state gaming licenses.
Ultimately, all but three bids fell through.
Those remaining bids were OK’d by another state board as December dawned, all but ensuring their final approvals this week.
Cohen celebrated the casino win – which came days after his Mets lost stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz.
This image rendering provided by Hard Rock International, shows the Hard Rock’s casino proposal in the Queens borough of New York, adjacent to Citi Field. APThe plan calls to convert 50 acres of Citi Field parking lots into a facility with a Hard Rock Hotel and casino, restaurants, bars, a live music venue and a Taste of Queens Food Hall.
Half of the acreage will be converted into new public park space.
“Since the day I bought the team, the community and Mets fans have made it clear to me that we can and should do better with the area around the ballpark,” Cohen said in a statement.
“Now, we are going to be able to deliver the sports and entertainment district that our fans have been asking for.”
But state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), who tried to derail the project, raised concerns about the casino’s impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Casinos bring real risks to surrounding neighborhoods. Increased traffic and environmental strain. The spread of problem gambling and addiction. Pressure on small businesses and faith institutions that hold our communities together,” she said in a statement.
This image rendering from Resorts World shows the Resorts World casino, owned by Malaysian casino giant Genting, a $5.5-billion investment to its gaming facility at the Aqueduct Racetrack in the Queens borough of New York. AP“And in areas like Roosevelt Avenue, where we are already confronting organized criminal activity, projects like this risk accelerating illicit economies and exploitation rather than stabilizing our streets.”
The casinos’ supporters argued the gaming dens will generate billions of dollars in tax revenues, create thousands of jobs and give the MTA an infusion of cash through $500 million license fees for each project.
Bally’s chairman Soo Kim, reached by phone in Sydney, Australia, said he was elated at winning a casino license on the grounds of the former Trump golf course at Ferry Point in the Bronx.
Kim, who was raised in Queens, said it’s like hitting the jackpot for Bally’s to operate a casino.
“We were underestimated. I never considered our bid a dark horse. It’s a great development,” he said.
Trump and the Trump Organization won big at the table, too.
Bally’s will pay Trump’s firm $115 million as part of the deal to take over lease for the golf course and operate a casino there.
