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The New York State Gaming Commission has unanimously approved licenses for three new casinos in New York City. The decision, made on Monday, paves the way for Bally's in the Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, and Resorts World near the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens to begin development. According to Gaming Commission Chairman Bryan O'Dwyer, the licensing fees are expected to generate $1.5 billion for the state.
The Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, a significant part of the approved projects, is a partnership between Hard Rock International and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. The $8.1 billion project will transform 50 acres of parking lots around Citi Field into a large-scale entertainment and gaming complex. The complex will feature a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a Hard Rock Live concert center, multiple restaurants and bars, a retail store, and a 25-acre public park. Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International, expressed excitement about extending their reputation as a world-class entertainment company to Queens.
The licenses are provisional, meaning developers must fulfill their promises of union jobs, housing, and transportation improvements to retain them. Construction for the Hard Rock project is expected to begin in early 2026, with the casino opening in phases starting as early as late 2027.
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