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New York City, your three casinos can finally move forward.
The New York State Gaming Commission has awarded licenses to three downstate casino projects — Resorts World, Hard Rock International, and Bally’s — which are projected to generate more than $40 billion in combined revenue and community benefits for New York City. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the projects will create tens of thousands of jobs and help fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the city’s education system.
“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,” Hochul said.
“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. That is what New Yorkers expect and what they deserve.”
The licensing of the three projects is a landmark moment for New York, coming three years after Hochul passed a state budget that included three new downstate casinos.
What the three casino projects will bring to NYC
With licensing now complete, the three casino developments can move forward with construction, provided they acquire the required state and local permits. Together, these projects are projected to generate more than $40 billion in combined revenue and community benefits over their lifetimes. Here’s what each project is expected to bring to its respective community:
Resorts World (Schenectady County)
Resorts World’s casino plan is based on an expansion of the existing gaming and racing facility it operates at Aqueduct in Niskayuna: Resorts World New York City. The company claims says the expansion will generate $5 billion in revenue in its first four years and 100,000 permanent, temporary, and indirect jobs.
Hard Rock (Metropolitan Park)
Hard Rock’s project is ambitious. It will convert 50 acres next to the New York Mets’ Citi Field into a Hard Rock casino, including 20 acres of public park space and a new transit station. The development is expected to generate approximately $33.5 billion in tax revenue over 30 years and provide $1.75 billion in community benefits, while creating thousands of union jobs.
Bally’s (Bronx)
Bally’s project in the Bronx is expected to deliver community benefits of up to $625 million, provide 15,000 union construction jobs, and add 4,000 permanent jobs. The company also plans to contribute $100 million for parkland improvements in the area.
What’s next for NY’s three downstate casinos?
Resorts World could complete its expansion by spring 2026, while Hard Rock and Bally’s are expected to finish their developments by the middle of 2030. Resorts World will open earlier than its two competitors because its project expands an existing facility rather than building from scratch.
At the same time, New York residents remain without fully regulated online casino gaming. Real‑money online casinos are not currently legal in the state, and enforcement actions in 2025 led to the shutdown of numerous sweepstakes casinos that offered virtual currency redeemable for cash or prizes.
Lawmakers and regulators, including the New York State Gaming Commission and the attorney general’s office, have focused on eliminating illegal operations while leaving room for future discussion on a regulated online casino market.
