The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board voted to approve the three casino bids in New York City, including one backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
NYC Casino Bids Approved
BREAKING:
Steve Cohen and Hard Rock have officially been awarded a NY Casino license, per @MazzNYC
The $8 billion Metropolitan Park project next to Citi Field is projected to open in June of 2030. pic.twitter.com/UtBmnlWn35
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) December 1, 2025
It’s a historic day in New York.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board voted in favor of three casino bids: a Hard Rock Casino at Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, a Bally’s casino at Ferry Point in the Bronx, and Resorts at Aqueduct Racetrack.
By receiving board approvals, these three proposals have reached the final step. The New York State Gaming Commission is expected to issue formal licenses before the end of the year.
With the casinos already factored into the state’s budget, each of the three proposals is expected to receive a downstate casino license.
“From the moment that three downstate casino licenses were authorized in the 2022 State Budget, I have been clear: any approved project must provide real benefits to its community and have sustainable economic plans,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. I am grateful to Chair Been and the Gaming Facility Location Board for their careful review of the applications according to these high standards. The three projects approved today promise to unlock billions in funding for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs. It is critical that they keep those promises. I look forward to the Gaming Commission’s review of the Board’s recommendations in the weeks ahead.”
Several casino bids in Manhattan, including one backed by Jay-Z, were rejected earlier this year.
Details Behind Each Casino Bid
Hedge fund Billionaire and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and his partners Hard Rock just won approval to build and operate a casino next to Citi Field in Queens, New York – Bloomberg pic.twitter.com/JWzl6olcGt
— Evan (@StockMKTNewz) December 1, 2025
In the end, Cohen gets his way and wins the downstate license.
Cohen’s $8.1 billion proposal features a Hard Rock Casino at Metropolitan Park in Willets Point, Queens.
Under Cohen’s proposal, Metropolitan Park will include a sportsbook, a hotel, a live music venue, retail stores, and shopping space.
Etihad Park, a soccer-specific stadium and the future home of New York FC, will be located across the street from Citi Field. The stadium is expected to be completed before the 2027 season.
In the Bronx, Bally’s is proposing a $4 billion development that includes a casino on the Ferry Point golf course near the Throgs Neck bridge. The casino will be built on a parking lot and some of the practice greens.
President Donald Trump and his company previously operated the golf course.
Finally, Resorts World’s proposal calls for an investment of more than $5 billion into the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens. Currently, Aqueduct is a racino — horse betting and gambling machines, including slots.
Resorts plans to build a full casino with table games, along with a hotel and other entertainment options.
