NYC casinos: State Gaming Board gives final approval for all 3 New York City sites for casino licenses
NEW YORK (WABC) — The State Gaming Commission met Monday and finalized the approval for all three full-scale casino sites in Queens and the Bronx.
The vote marks the final step in a years-long process that accelerated earlier this month when the State Gaming Board advanced the proposals.
The approved licenses include Bally’s proposed casino in the Bronx on a former golf course owned by President Donald Trump, Hard Rock’s pitch to open a complex next to Citi Field in Queens and Resort World’s attempt to expand their facility at the Aqueduct Racetrack near JFK Airport.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the projects will unlock billions of funding for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs.
“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.”
Bally’s is proposing to build a casino hotel in the Bronx and it says it will generate nearly $400 million in annual tax revenue and support nearly 4,000 permanent jobs.
Meanwhile, Bally’s has promised to pay the Trump Organization $115 million to purchase its remaining interest in the site. The Trump Organization used to lease the city-owned land being proposed for the Bronx location.
Mets owner Steve Cohen has partnered with Hard Rock International on a proposal for Queens. They say it will result in more than $1 billion a year in tax revenue and more than 6,000 permanent jobs.
Meanwhile, Resort Worlds Casino, which has already been operating a racino at the Aqueduct Racetrack in southeast Queens for years, is set to expand into a full-scale casino. It says it will produce 5,000 permanent jobs and more than $1 billion a year in tax revenue.
The process of bringing casinos to the city started back in 2013, when state voters authorized a constitutional amendment allowing up to seven casinos in the state, with up to three reserved for the New York City area. The four upstate casinos were given a head start.
ALSO READ: Rally held in attempt to block new casino from opening near Citi Field
There was a rally on Sunday against a proposed casino near Citi Field.
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