After a lengthy licensing process, state regulators have formally approved three full-scale casino projects in New York City.
The decision clears the way for two major developments in Queens and one in the Bronx, marking the city’s first expansion into full casino gaming after years of political debate, community review, and high‑profile competition among developers.
The state approved three sites: a Hard Rock–backed entertainment district next to Citi Field, a major expansion of Resorts World near JFK Airport, and a Bally’s‑branded resort in the Bronx on a former golf course. The ruling ends months of speculation over competing proposals, including a high‑profile Times Square bid that regulators ultimately rejected.
State officials say the three projects will bring billions in private investment, create thousands of union jobs, add new public amenities, and generate long‑term tax revenue. Although each project follows a different construction timeline, developers plan to move quickly now that they have secured their licenses.
What the Queens and Bronx Casino Projects Will Include
The Queens developments represent two of the city’s most ambitious entertainment expansions in decades. The Hard Rock–Metropolitan Park project near Citi Field will feature a casino, hotel, live entertainment venues, and new public green space. Supporters say the district will operate year‑round and draw both residents and visitors.
Resorts World New York City, already among the nation’s busiest gaming facilities through its video lottery operations, will upgrade to a full casino license. The expansion will introduce table games such as blackjack and roulette, new dining options, and additional hospitality features, positioning the property as a major competitor to casinos in Atlantic City and Connecticut.
In the Bronx, Bally’s will redevelop the former golf course into a waterfront resort with gaming, restaurants, community amenities, and improved public shoreline access. The project will reshape a large stretch of the borough’s eastern edge and drive new economic activity throughout the area.
What NYC’s Casino Expansion Means for Players and the National Market
Approving three casinos in the nation’s largest city marks a significant shift in the U.S. gambling landscape. New York already leads the nation in mobile sports betting revenue, and analysts say full‑scale casinos will intensify regional competition and push lawmakers to revisit online casino legalization in the coming years.
For those tracking where gambling is permitted for players 18 and older in the United States, Casinos18.com is a widely used resource. The site offers state-by-state age requirements, casino openings, and regulatory updates, providing national context as New York enters a new era of brick-and-mortar gaming.
If construction remains on schedule, the first new casino could open as early as 2026, with others following later in the decade. Collectively, these projects are expected to reshape New York’s entertainment economy and strengthen the city’s position in the East Coast gaming corridor.