Bally’s Bronx casino bid clears key New York City Council hurdle

Bally’s Corporation’s proposal to build a $4 billion casino in the Bronx remains alive after the New York City Council approved a critical rezoning measure on Wednesday, advancing the project to the state legislature and keeping it in the race for one of three coveted downstate casino licenses.

The council voted 32–12, with seven abstentions, to approve the rezoning, which qualifies as a “home rule” measure required before the New York state legislature can consider the proposal. Without the vote, Bally’s bid would have been ineligible for a license.

The resolution passed after a last-minute intervention by Mayor Eric Adams, whose support lowered the usual two-thirds majority requirement to a simple majority. “Mayor Adams supports a fair process with as many competitive casino bids in New York City as possible, each of which would bring good-paying union jobs and an economic boost to the community,” said William Fowler, a spokesperson for the mayor.

Bally’s plans to redevelop the Ferry Point golf course site it acquired from the Trump Organization in 2023. If awarded a license, the company would owe $115 million to Trump’s firm as part of the purchase agreement.

The proposed development includes a 500,000-square-foot casino, 500-room hotel, 2,000-seat entertainment center, spa, rooftop restaurant, retail space, and two parking garages with capacity for 4,660 vehicles.

“We appreciate the City Council, including the speaker and Bronx delegation in particular, for recognising the opportunity that this project can afford to the Bronx and the City as a whole,” said Christopher Jewett, Bally’s senior vice president of corporate development, to iGB. “Their actions today allow us to move forward to the next step of making this happen for NYC.”

Despite the vote, the project remains politically contentious. Bronx Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, whose district includes the proposed site, voted against the measure. “Voting in favor of this sets the precedent that we reward lobbyists and special interest groups when they go around the local representation in local communities,” she said. “I will not stop until this harmful proposal is defeated for good.”

The council’s move breaks with the tradition of “member deference,” under which local lawmakers typically decide land-use matters in their districts. Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala defended the vote:  “I think from a lens of equity, it’s only fair that they have that opportunity.”

Bally’s is one of at least eight known contenders for the downstate licenses. Three bids have already been withdrawn, including those from Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands. Other active proposals span Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Yonkers, with final applications due by June 27.

Bally’s bid comes as the company juggles multiple projects, including a $1.7 billion casino development in Chicago facing delays and a planned Las Vegas Strip resort tied to the demolition of the Tropicana. The firm is also making an AU$ 300 million investment in Australia’s Star Entertainment, which is under federal scrutiny and could face an AU$ 400 million fine for anti-money laundering violations.

Despite its stretched resources, Bally’s remains a contender. When the council tabled a vote at its previous meeting in late May, Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim alleged that it was politically motivated. “They’re saying, ‘If Bally’s wins, Trump benefits.’ That’s crazy,” Bally’s chairman Soo Kim said earlier in comments to the New York Post.

Elsewhere, some local officials are urging the state to fast-track other bids. “New York should move ahead right away with the two proposals that enjoy community support and are shovel-ready to go,” Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said last month.

With the legislative session set to end this week in Albany, the fate of Bally’s Bronx casino plan will now depend on state lawmakers.