NYC Mayor Helps Move Forward Bally's Bronx Casino Proposal

New York City Mayor Eric Adams provided support to Bally's casino proposal in the Bronx on a former Trump property on a vote Wednesday that helped move its process to the state level.

The bill, which allows Bally's to convert the land once owned by President Trump held as a golf course into parkland for a proposed $4 billion casino, normally requires two-thirds approval from the New York City Council. Because Adams declared his support, the needed majority for the legislature to pass was reduced to a simple majority. The measure passed by a 32-12 vote, with seven councilmembers abstaining.

The next step is for state legislators to take up the cause for rezoning. The $8 billion Metropolitan Park proposal in Queens, fronted by Hard Rock and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, completed that process in both houses in Albany last month.

The City Council had postponed its vote two weeks ago, prompting criticism from Bally's Chairman Soo Kim that lobbyists on Cohen's behalf were working against Kim's proposal. As part of the deal to acquire the property in 2023, Bally's agreed to give the Trump Organization $115 million if it lands one of the three coveted downstate casino licenses.

The Bally's proposal, one of eight expected to be submitted to the New York State Gaming Commission by the June 27 deadline, is considered a longshot. Two of the licenses are expected to be awarded to Resorts World and Empire City -- racetracks with video lottery terminals (VLTs) that have plans to expand into racinos.

Bally's also is currently constructing a casino in Chicago, where it is expected to open a $1.8 billion venue by September 2026.

Some local opposition remains

Seven of the nine Bronx-based City Council members backed the Bally's proposal, with Pierina Sanchez abstaining and Kristy Marmorato voting against it.

“Voting in favor of this sets the precedent that we reward lobbyists and special interest groups when they go around the local representation in local communities,” she said during Wednesday's vote. “It absolutely will pave the way for a casino to be built.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Adams provided The City a written statement on his support for Bally's proposal that read: “Mayor Adams supports a fair process with as many competitive casino bids in New York City as possible, each of which would bring good-paying union jobs and an economic boost to the community.

"It does not matter which proposal is selected by the state so long as it’s in New York City. We would be supportive of more than one selection in New York City, but that requires more than one competitive proposal.”

The corresponding legislature at the state level has been filed in both houses via Senator Nathalia Fernandez (S7049) and Assemblymember Michael Benedetto (A7514). Both bills are currently in committee.