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The Gaming Facility Location Board is set to vote today on which applicants will receive the three available casino licenses in the New York City area. The board will evaluate three proposals: Bally's in the Bronx, Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, and Resorts World in Queens. Although three licenses are available, the board is not obligated to grant all of them.
The Metropolitan Park project, a joint venture between New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, is considered a strong contender. The $8 billion complex would include a Hard Rock Hotel, casino, and entertainment venue, along with a 25-acre park. Cohen's significant political influence and financial resources have bolstered the bid's prospects. The proposal has already received local approval from the community advisory committee, according to iGaming Business.
Resorts World, an existing facility in Queens, and Bally's Bronx proposal are also in the running. Resorts World offers the advantage of an established presence and could launch its casino as early as July 2026. Bally's faces financial challenges, including ongoing projects in Chicago and Las Vegas, as noted by The City.
The board's recommendations will be sent to the New York State Gaming Commission, which must ratify the decisions by December 31. If all three licenses are awarded, the state could receive $1.5 billion in license fees immediately. However, the final decision remains uncertain, as past processes have shown New York regulators can be unpredictable.
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