NYC Council Postpones Vote on Bally’s Casino Plan in the Bronx

Bally’s Corporation’s plans to develop a casino at the former Trump Golf Links in the Bronx have encountered a significant obstacle after the New York City Council decided not to proceed with a critical vote on the project.

The Council, under the leadership of Speaker and mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams, chose not to present the proposal for discussion. For the casino initiative to be reviewed in Albany, the Council needs to approve a “home rule” message, which would allow the state legislature to rezone the parkland for commercial purposes.

Bally’s acquired the golf course at Ferry Point from the Trump Organization in 2023, renaming it Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. The company’s plan includes constructing a 500,000-square-foot casino, complemented by a 500-room hotel, an event center, and retail outlets.

The project from Bally’s is among nearly a dozen challengers competing for one of three casino licenses available in the New York area. Despite the steep $500 million license price, major gaming entities such as Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Hard Rock International, and Mohegan Gaming are drawn by the potential economic advantages.

The next Council meeting is set for June 11. With the deadline for license applications looming on June 27, Bally’s will have a narrow window to obtain approval if the project passes.

**Bally’s Chairman Blames Political Motives for New York Decision**

Should Bally’s secure a casino license, an additional $115 million will be payable to the Trump Organization as part of their deal. Soo Kim, Bally’s Chairman, has insinuated that a “whisper campaign” by lobbyists representing rival bidders has fueled anti-Trump sentiment among New York legislators. Kim contends that the project would bring substantial benefits to the Bronx, proposing $600 million in community advantages and numerous job openings. The company has also suggested allowing local residents to invest up to 10% in the casino and committed to allocating at least 1% of its gross revenue to local programs. The lack of Council support means the project cannot move forward, thereby causing the city to forgo these financial benefits.

**Stiff License Competition and High-Profile Exits**

Following Bally’s expression of dissatisfaction, the New York Assembly endorsed an $8 billion casino proposal by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International. Meanwhile, a competing bid by Caesars Entertainment for a Times Square Casino has found favor among union and entertainment industry advocates. Despite this backing, concerns remain over the feasibility of establishing a casino in Manhattan.

Various proposals in central parts of the city have faced resistance from local authorities and civic groups, prompting the withdrawal of several casino hopefuls. Wynn Resorts backed out of a $12 billion casino venture in Hudson Yards. Earlier, plans for a casino over Saks Fifth Avenue were abandoned, and initiatives near Madison Square Garden and Penn Station were dropped. Furthermore, Sands Las Vegas unexpectedly pulled out of a planned casino project on Long Island.

The remaining contenders include active participants, with MGM Resorts International’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting’s Resorts World New York in Queens seen as strong candidates. Both facilities, currently operating as racinos, are candidates for transformation into full-scale casinos.

Additional bids being reviewed include Thor Equities’ proposal for Coney Island and the Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment’s Freedom Plaza project next to the United Nations headquarters.