New York City casinos receive final approval, first to open in March

The New York state gaming commission officially signed off Monday on three new Las Vegas-style casinos in New York City, giving the final approval needed for the first casino to open early next Spring.

The projects are Hard Rock’s $8.1 billion plan to bring a gaming complex near Citi Field in Queens, Genting-Resorts World’s proposal for a casino at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens and Bally’s plan to open a casino on President Donald Trump’s former golf course in the Bronx.

The first casino, proposed by Genting-Resorts World, could operate as early as March because the company already operates slots at Aqueduct and has an operational gaming facility, according to the New York Post. 

“Today’s vote by the New York State Gaming Commission is the culmination of a multi-year, community-driven process to ensure that casino licenses were only awarded to proposals that had local support, clear community benefits and sustainable economic plans," New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. 

“The three approved casinos will generate billions of dollars for the [Metropolitan Transportation Authority] and education, create tens of thousands of jobs and deliver real benefits to their surrounding communities," she continued. "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.”

Each casino is also expected to include a concert hall, a hotel and offer bars and restaurants.

Each of the projects will also be required to appoint an outside monitor to ensure they're complying with state law and fulfilling promises and investments they made to the communities, according to NBC New York.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.