Bronx Casino Plan Rejected, Focus Shifts to Empire City Bid
Bally's proposed casino at Ferry Point in the Bronx suffered a setback after the city council rejected zoning changes essential to the plan. The action, prompted by Council Member Kristy Marmorato, indicates resolute community resistance and puts the development in stasis unless Mayor Eric Adams invokes a rarely exercised veto.
There has always been community resistance. Bronx Community Board 10, the local government entity, has turned down the plan. Local outcry and testimony have made it clear that the residents are not considering the Bally's project in the long-term economic plan.
Bally's was criticized for not generating confidence or strong positives among local residents.
On the edge of the line in Yonkers, the Empire City Casino presents a stark alternative. Operated by MGM Resorts, it already serves as a major employer for Bronx residents and contributes millions to local businesses and nonprofits.
Bronx politicians opted in favor of expanding Empire City based on the economic benefit and the potential creation of 2,000 new jobs.
Although a mayoral veto would resuscitate Bally's plan, that would not address the root of the project's trouble. Vigorous community opposition remains.
Downstate casino race intensifies
New York State has officially entered the final stage in awarding three coveted downstate casino licenses, with seven proposals now in competition. Among the highest-profile is Caesars Palace Times Square, backed by SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Jay-Z's Roc Nation. The $5.4 billion bid includes a luxury hotel and entertainment complex in the heart of Midtown.
Silverstein's $7 billion Avenir project features a casino-hotel and a housing conversion partnership that aims to deliver over 2,000 residential units. In Midtown East, the $11.1 billion Freedom Plaza bid from Soloviev Group and Mohegan emphasizes affordable housing and job creation.
Other entries include The Coney in Brooklyn, a $3.4 billion beachfront development; the $8 billion Metropolitan Park, developed by Mets owner Steve Cohen in Queens; and Genting's $5.5 billion expansion at Aqueduct Racetrack in Jamaica. MGM rounds out the list.
State targets online sweepstakes casinos
As New York advances plans for physical casinos, the state has taken action against unlicensed online sweepstakes gambling operations. Attorney General Letitia James announced cease-and-desist orders to 26 online sweepstakes casinos found to be operating illegally in the state.
Investigators determined that these virtual tokens could be exchanged for real-world money or prizes, violating New York's gambling statutes. State law prohibits betting with anything of value without proper licensing.
The Office of the Attorney General and the New York State Gaming Commission jointly conducted the investigation. Despite claims that sweepstakes casinos are free to play, authorities found that they often encourage the purchases of virtual coins, which are then used to win redeemable prizes.
AG James warned that these platforms exploit legal loopholes and pose consumer risks.
