The race to secure one of New York State’s three coveted downstate casino licenses is entering its final, most volatile phase. With a crucial deadline looming for the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) to submit its recommendations, the high-stakes competition, which promises billions in revenue and thousands of jobs, has become a tangle of political manoeuvring, billion-dollar bids, and unexpected lawsuits.

For the Bronx, where the ambitious Bally’s project stands as a leading contender, the outcome could determine the future economic trajectory of the borough. The state, facing potential fiscal shortfalls, is counting on the minimum $500 million license fee for each winner and the tax contributions the three full-service casinos are expected to generate. A decision that will entirely alter the New York entertainment sector is imminent.

The Race for Regulatory Approval & Community Stakes

The GFLB is expected to deliver its recommendations for the three (3) available licenses on December 1, 2025, following a period of intense scrutiny, including recent site visits to the finalist locations. While the GFLB’s findings are non-binding, they carry significant weight as the New York State Gaming Commission ultimately makes the final determination.

Among the top three contenders is the Bally’s Bronx proposal, an integrated resort complex slated for the Ferry Point area. The developers have pitched a massive $4 billion project that promises over 4,000 permanent union jobs and a host of community benefits intended to address local economic needs. Bally’s commitment includes dedicating at least one percent of gross gaming revenues (estimated to be over $10 million annually) to Bronx community programs, along with a groundbreaking offer allowing residents to purchase equity shares in the facility.

This focus on community benefits…