Bally’s Moves Forward on Ambitious $500 Million Bronx Casino Resort Amid Legislative Breakthrough
In a dramatic end‑of‑session maneuver, the New York State Legislature on June 13, 2025, approved key legislation empowering Bally’s Corporation to repurpose parkland adjacent to its Ferry Point golf course, paving the way for a proposed $500 million resort casino. Governor Kathy Hochul promptly signed the bill, clearing the final legal hurdle required for Bally’s to submit its official bid ahead of the looming June 27 deadline.
Parkland Alienation Clears the Path
The enabling legislation repurposes approximately 16 acres of publicly designated parkland at Ferry Point Park—transformed when Bally’s acquired operational control from the Trump Organization in early 2023—for commercial use. This “parkland alienation” is legally essential for any casino development, and its hurried passage followed a June 11 New York City Council vote (32‑12) that required mayoral intervention to pass.
Behind the Vote: Mayor Adams’ Crucial Role
The Council’s success hinged on a direct message of support from Mayor Eric Adams, which lowered the vote threshold from a 34‑member supermajority to a simple majority. The dramatic procedural pivot allowed the measure to pass just before the session’s close.
Bally’s Flagship Vision
Bally’s has plans for a sprawling 500,000‑square‑foot casino, accompanied by a 500‑room luxury hotel, spa, meeting spaces, retail complex, 2,000‑seat performance venue, and two garages totaling 4,660 parking spaces. This proposal—its largest ever economic development spearheaded by Bally’s chairman Soo Kim—is marketed as the borough’s first mega-resort, promising thousands of local jobs and a significant infrastructure boost.
The Trump Link: $115 Million Windfall
Included in the original 2023 acquisition terms between Bally’s and the Trump Organization was a contingent $115 million payment to Trump if Bally’s secures a full casino license. That agreement has attracted scrutiny; critics argue it creates an unusual financial incentive linked to the former President. Detractors also suggest Mayor Adams’ support is politically problematic given the high-profile payoff.
Community and Political Crossfire
Despite backing from Bronx legislators and the city’s leadership, community voices remain divided. Bronx Community Board 10 overwhelmingly rejected the parkland proposal (29‑5), citing concerns over park loss and gentrification impacts. Councilwoman Kristy Marmarato, whose district includes Ferry Point, forcefully opposed the bill, calling it “special interests steamrolling the community” —a sentiment shared by some local Republicans.What’s Next: Licensing & Zoning With state legislation signed, Bally’s must now navigate the city’s ULURP zoning review process, environmental assessments mandated under SEQRA, and finalize its official licensing application by June 27.
Once submitted, an evaluation by community advisory committees and the Gaming Facility Location Board will determine if Bally’s is awarded one of three coveted downstate casino licenses, with final decisions expected by year‑end.
Economic & Regional Implications
Should Bally’s secure approval, the Bronx would host its first full‑scale resort casino—potentially transforming local commerce, tourism, and urban infrastructure. Proponents argue it will generate thousands of jobs, meaningful tax revenue, and enhanced public spaces. Opponents warn of social risks, increased congestion, and the loss of Green space.
As the clock ticks toward the June 27 deadline, Bally’s stands well positioned—but community resistance, political optics, and fierce competition from rival bids (including projects in Queens, Manhattan, and Coney Island) could yet re-shape the outcome.