The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has recommended three new casinos in the biggest city in the U.S. for approval. The three newly proposed casinos would be located in two of the city’s boroughs — two in Queens and one in the Bronx. The casinos have been recommended for approval after it was determined they would create new jobs and generate billions in tax revenue. This move comes as gambling in the U.S. continues to expand rapidly.
All the numbers, from state revenues to the number of new operators entering the market, suggest that more and more Americans are showing interest in casino-style games. This trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, which is why lawmakers across the country now treat gambling as a sector with long-term growth potential.
It’s not just physical casinos that are seeing an increase in demand. Players are now commonly turning towards online platforms that allow them to play their favorite games through their smartphones and other devices. Online casinos are constantly evolving and now offer the same kind of experience people get in brick-and-mortar facilities. There are fast payout casinos, which allow players to withdraw their winnings quickly and enjoy smoother overall banking options. The gameplay itself is also improving, with live-dealer options and top-notch graphics becoming standard in many online casino games.
With interest in both online and offline channels growing, it’s not surprising that New York officials feel confident moving ahead with three major land-based projects. The city already attracts millions of tourists every year, and gambling can help boost that even further. Of course, all three casinos are expected to operate as full entertainment destinations rather than gaming halls only.
Two of the proposed casinos would be located in Queens. One of them would expand the current Resorts World facility at Aqueduct into a full-scale resort casino, complete with table games, hotel rooms, new dining spaces, and more event programming. Resorts World already draws steady traffic as a limited gaming venue through its slots parlor. Supporters believe that upgrading it into a full casino would allow it to compete directly with large regional resorts outside the state.
The second Queens project, backed by Hard Rock and the New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, would transform the area near Citi Field into a year-round entertainment hub, offering gaming, live shows, dining, and community events.
The third project, planned for the Bronx, would redevelop the former Ferry Point golf course site into a resort operated by Bally’s. The proposal includes a casino floor, hotels, restaurants, and performance venues, with developers saying the project could create thousands of construction and permanent jobs.
With the interest in gambling rising, state officials have emphasized that all three projects would have economic benefits for the city. The billions of dollars they would bring in tax revenue could potentially go toward public services, transportation upgrades, and other key citywide projects. Lawmakers have also noted that many New Yorkers currently head to neighboring states, mainly New Jersey and Connecticut, to visit casino facilities. Three new casinos in the Big Apple would keep that spending within the city while also offering residents closer options.
The board is also of the opinion that the city, due to its population and high tourist activity, can support having three full-scale casinos in close proximity.
The recommendations from the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board are a huge step forward, but the entire process isn’t finished just yet. The proposals will now head to the New York State Gaming Commission, which will review the financial details and community feedback before issuing final approvals. The exact timeline hasn’t been set, but it’s believed that the decisions may come sometime next year. If granted licenses, the developers could begin construction shortly after. The initial phases of opening the facilities would come before 2030.
If the Gaming Commission approves all three projects, New York City would join the ranks of major casino destinations in the U.S. As lawmakers have noted, the new casinos would also generate jobs and help support public services and some big infrastructure upgrades. In that sense, the projects aren’t just about adding new entertainment venues, but also about long-term investment in economic growth and community development.
