Exciting New Casinos in New York Opening This Year
New York is on the verge of a significant transformation in its gaming and entertainment landscape. With the state set to award three new commercial new casinos in New York licenses by the end of 2025, several ambitious projects are vying to reshape the region’s tourism and economy. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting casino developments expected to open in the coming years.
Resorts World New York City – Queens
Resorts World New York City, located in Queens, is poised for a monumental expansion. If awarded a full casino license, the property plans to invest $5.5 billion to convert its existing racino into a full-scale integrated resort. The expansion includes a 500,000-square-foot casino floor, 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena, over 30 dining options, and 12 acres of public green space. The project is expected to create 5,000 permanent union jobs and 5,000 construction jobs. With zoning approvals and permits already in place, Resorts World aims to open its full-scale casino by mid-2026, potentially becoming the largest casino in the United States.
The Coney – Brooklyn
The Coney, a proposed $3 billion casino development in Brooklyn’s Coney Island, is backed by Thor Equities, Legends Hospitality, Saratoga Casino Holdings, and the Chickasaw Nation. The project envisions a 32-story hotel with 500 rooms, 90,000 square feet of convention space, 70,000 square feet of retail and dining areas, and a 2,500-seat concert venue. While the Brooklyn Community Board 11 has voted in favor of rezoning the area for casino use, some residents have expressed opposition, citing concerns over increased traffic and potential disruptions to the community’s character.
Avenir – Manhattan
Silverstein Properties, the developer behind the World Trade Center, has proposed Avenir, a 785-foot skyscraper on Manhattan’s West Side that includes a casino complex. The development will feature a 1,000-room hotel, restaurants, and a food hall. While the firm owns the proposed site and does not require community board or City Council approval, it must still secure one of the three downstate casino licenses from state regulators. The project’s design prioritizes pedestrian accessibility and community integration, aiming to enhance the neighborhood’s vibrancy.
Metropolitan Park – Queens
Hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, is leading the development of Metropolitan Park, an $8 billion entertainment complex near Citi Field in Queens. The project includes a casino, hotel, retail spaces, and public parks. Cohen has launched an intensive lobbying and community outreach campaign to gain support for the casino, promising job creation, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements. The final decision on the casino license is expected by the end of 2025.
Bally’s Bronx – The Bronx
Bally’s proposed casino in the Bronx, located on a golf course once run by President Donald Trump’s company, has faced challenges in securing key approvals. City lawmakers recently denied a crucial rezoning approval, casting doubt on the project’s future. Despite this setback, Bally’s remains committed to its vision of bringing a casino to the Bronx, which would include a hotel, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Jake’s 58 Expansion – Long Island
Jake’s 58 Hotel & Casino in Islandia, Long Island, is undergoing a significant expansion. The $210 million project will increase its gaming and convention space and add a new parking garage to accommodate additional visitors. The expansion aims to enhance the casino’s offerings and attract more tourists to the region.
Resorts World Hudson Valley – Newburgh
Resorts World Hudson Valley, located in the Newburgh Mall, offers a unique casino experience within a shopping center. The casino features over 1,200 slot machines and 82 electronic table games. While it currently operates as a video lottery terminal facility, there are discussions about potential future expansions to enhance its offerings and attract more visitors.
Del Lago Resort and Casino – Tyre
Del Lago Resort and Casino in Tyre, New York, offers a comprehensive gaming experience with 1,702 slot machines, 66 table games, and 14 poker tables. The resort also boasts nine restaurants and bars, a spa, and several retail outlets. Its entertainment venue, The Vine, hosts various concerts and events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for both gaming enthusiasts and those seeking live entertainment.
Conclusion
New York’s casino landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with several ambitious projects aiming to reshape the region’s entertainment and tourism sectors. From the expansive Resorts World New York City in Queens to the innovative Avenir development in Manhattan, these projects promise to bring new jobs, infrastructure improvements, and economic growth to the state. As the final decisions on casino licenses approach, the coming years are set to usher in a new era of gaming and entertainment in New York.