NYC Council approves legislation enabling Bally’s Bronx casino bid following mayoral support
The vote allows Bally’s to advance its application for a downstate casino licence, with the final decision to be determined by the state.
Key points:
- NYC Council passed a home rule message supporting Bally’s use of Ferry Point golf course for casino development
- Mayor Eric Adams issued a formal message of support ahead of the vote, reducing the threshold needed for passage
- The proposal allows Bally’s to submit a bid for one of three downstate New York casino licences
Bally’s Corporation has moved one step closer to submitting a formal bid for a downstate New York casino licence after the New York City Council approved a legislative measure allowing part of the company’s Bronx golf course to be repurposed for gaming development.
The measure, known as a home rule message, required 34 votes to pass without mayoral backing.
However, Mayor Eric Adams issued a formal declaration of support shortly before the vote, lowering the requirement to a simple majority.
The resolution passed by a vote of 32-12, with seven abstentions.
The decision enables Bally’s to advance its plan to build a 500,000-square-foot casino complex at its Ferry Point property, including a 500-room hotel, event space, retail units and parking facilities.
The site is currently designated as state parkland and will require state legislative approval before development can proceed.
Good to know: Bally’s Casinos & Resorts segment generated $351.2m in revenue in Q1 2025, with its North America Interactive division also reporting 12.5% year-on-year growth
The project has faced political resistance due to its association with the Trump Organisation. As part of its 2023 acquisition of the site, Bally’s agreed to pay the Trump entity an additional $115m if awarded a gaming licence.
While Bronx Democrats backed the measure, some council members opposed the plan over concerns tied to local sentiment and external lobbying efforts.
A spokesperson for Mayor Adams stated that the administration supports a competitive licensing process, not any single proposal and aims to maximise job creation and economic benefit across the city.
Bally’s confirmed its intention to proceed with a formal licence application once the state legislative process is complete.
The company joins a growing field of bidders vying for one of three available downstate casino licences, which also includes a separate Citi Field proposal backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen.
https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/29838/nyc-council-approves-legislation-enabling-ballys-bronx-casino-bid-following-mayoral-support