Bronx Casino Project Unhalted as NY Mayor Adams Overturns City Council Decision
In the heart of New York City, the fate of Bally's proposed casino in the Bronx remains uncertain, despite a veto by Mayor Eric Adams that aims to revive the project and give the borough a fair chance at winning a downstate gaming license.
The proposed casino, valued at $4 billion, includes a 500,000-square-foot gaming facility, a 500-room hotel, a 2,000-seat event center, and significant infrastructure improvements such as a new bridge and expanded bus service. It is currently the only casino proposal in the Bronx, supported by pledges of more than $600 million in community and infrastructure benefits.
However, the project has faced criticism from the City Council, who accused Mayor Adams of hypocrisy and lack of credibility. Mara Davis, a spokesperson for the Council, pointed out that the mayor had not used his veto power on housing projects, only on the casino proposal. The Council has also criticised Adams for vetoing their rejection of the casino proposal in late July 2025.
The original rejection of the rezoning needed for Bally's plan to convert part of the Ferry Point Park golf course into a casino complex reflected local resident concerns, including environmental impacts. However, Adams vetoed this decision to "re-level the playing field," stressing the importance of fairness among boroughs competing for the scarce downstate casino licenses.
Despite these strengths, the project faces challenges. It lacks high pedestrian visibility compared to other New York City casino proposals, has limited public buzz, and Bally’s is seen as financially stretched. The City Council's original rezoning denial also reflected concerns about potential conflicts of interest, with Vito Pitta, the campaign attorney for the mayor, also lobbying for Bally's, one of the groups seeking approval.
Compared to other downstate gaming bids, Bally’s is a less flashy but strategically located contender with solid community backing. Other proposals, like the Times Square casino bid, have garnered more public attention and controversy, such as opposition from the Broadway League concerned about harm to the theater district.
With the New York State Gaming Commission expected to award up to three downstate licenses by December 2025, Bally’s bid is now proceeding, contingent on overcoming remaining political and community hurdles. If the local siting committee signs off, the proposal heads to the state board for full licensing review.
The local siting committee, made up of representatives from the governor, mayor, and local officials, will now make the final decision on the casino proposal. The committee's decision will be closely watched as it determines whether the Bronx will be home to a new casino complex or if the opportunity will be awarded to another location.
In summary, Bally’s Bronx casino proposal is currently stalled by local opposition but revived by the mayor's veto of the City Council rezoning rejection. It remains a competitive but discreet contender for one of the downstate gaming licenses alongside other proposals that are attracting more public visibility and debate.
- The Bally's proposed casino in the Bronx, despite facing criticism from the City Council, continues to move forward with the New York State Gaming Commission anticipating awarding up to three downstate licenses by December 2025.
- The casino proposal, inclusive of a 500,000-square-foot gaming facility and significant community and infrastructure benefits, now rests with the local sitting committee, who will determine whether the Bronx will be home to a new casino complex.
- In the heart of New York City politics, the casino-and-gambling culture, policy-and-legislation, and general news are all factors as the fate of Bally's casino project unfolds, with the outdoor event center and casino-games at the forefront, and casino-culture and conflicting interests playing a significant role in the decision-making process.
