New York Approves Three Major Casinos, Including 8.1 Billion Dollar Steve Cohen Project at Citi Field – The Future of Gambling in NYC

Published on December 17, 2025

In a bold move to further establish New York as a prime destination for high-stakes entertainment, the New York State Gaming Commission has approved the licenses for three major casino projects in New York City, marking a significant shift in the city’s gambling landscape. Among the winners of these coveted licenses are two projects in Queens and one in the Bronx, all of which are set to become part of the city’s sprawling entertainment ecosystem. The approval paves the way for New York to embrace a Las Vegas-style gambling scene, with $8.1 billion in investments backing the most prominent of these ventures.

Among the big winners is a project led by Steve Cohen, the billionaire hedge fund manager and owner of the New York Mets, alongside Hard Rock International. Their proposal for Metropolitan Park, located in the parking lots surrounding Citi Field in Queens, is set to transform the area into a dynamic sports and entertainment district. The $8.1 billion project is poised to be a flagship development for New York’s burgeoning casino industry, bringing thousands of jobs, a variety of entertainment options, and substantial revenue for the city’s coffers.

The Bold New Projects: Transforming Queens and the Bronx

In addition to the Citi Field proposal, Queens will see another transformative development with the expansion of Resorts World New York City, currently located at Aqueduct Racetrack. The $5.5 billion plan includes a massive expansion to create a 5.6 million-square-foot venue with gaming, entertainment, and hotel facilities, making it one of the largest casino resorts in the state.

The Bronx will also get its own slice of the action, with Bally’s Corporation securing approval for a $4 billion hotel and casino resort at Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. Once operated by the Trump Organization, the course is now under Bally’s ownership after its acquisition in 2023. This resort project is expected to offer a luxurious mix of high-end hotel rooms, restaurants, and gaming options, further diversifying the casino offerings in the city.

A Win for the Communities: What This Means for New York

Governor Kathy Hochul hailed the decision as a major milestone for the state’s economy. In a statement following the vote, she emphasized that the casino developments would generate significant economic benefits, including billions of dollars for transportation (specifically the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)) and educational programs across New York. These projects are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs, providing a much-needed boost to local employment.

The gaming commission’s approval represents the culmination of a multi-year, community-driven process, where the proposals were carefully evaluated to ensure that each project garnered substantial local support and provided clear benefits to their respective communities. “The three approved casinos will generate billions of dollars for the MTA and education,” said Governor Hochul, emphasizing the commitment of developers to meet the community’s needs.

The Approval Process: A Long Road to Success

The road to securing these casino licenses was not without its hurdles. For months, the state gaming commission sifted through a variety of proposals from multiple developers vying for a piece of the city’s lucrative gaming market. Some proposals for casinos in Manhattan were ultimately rejected in favor of those in Queens and the Bronx, as the state focused on areas that promised long-term economic and community benefits.

The projects that ultimately received approval from the gaming commission not only include plans for casinos but also emphasize the creation of extensive entertainment, dining, and retail facilities. These additions are seen as key to attracting both locals and tourists, further integrating the casinos into the fabric of New York City’s vibrant culture.

What’s Next for New York’s Gaming Scene: Expectations for the Future

The approval of these casinos marks the beginning of a new chapter for the city’s entertainment and gambling industries. With a focus on job creation, community development, and economic sustainability, the new casinos are expected to generate billions in tax revenue and provide much-needed infrastructure upgrades, particularly for public transportation and other city services.

For residents and tourists alike, the new casinos promise more than just traditional gambling. They will offer an array of high-end amenities, including hotels, spas, and dining options, creating comprehensive resorts designed to attract both high-rollers and everyday visitors. With projects like Metropolitan Park, Resorts World, and Bally’s, New York is set to become a premier destination for entertainment, rivaling Las Vegas in terms of luxury and offerings.

Final Thoughts: A Bright Future for New York’s Entertainment Industry

As New York continues to innovate and evolve its entertainment options, the approval of these casino licenses marks a significant leap toward creating a more dynamic, inclusive, and economically vibrant city. With Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International leading the charge at Citi Field, and other major players like Bally’s and Resorts World, the future of New York’s gambling scene looks brighter than ever.

The rollout of these projects, slated to begin in the coming years, will create a lasting impact on the city’s skyline, economy, and reputation as an entertainment capital. For both residents and tourists, these casino resorts will offer world-class entertainment and a host of exciting new opportunities to experience all that New York has to offer. With these bold moves, the state is rolling the dice on its future, and the results could pay off big.New York approves three major casinos, including an $8.1 billion plan at Citi Field. Discover the details of this landmark move for the city’s gaming scene