Bally's Alleges New York Officials Obstruct Casino Development Due to Trump Association
Bally's Casino Application for Bronx License Delayed Amid Political Challenges
The application process for Bally's to secure a casino license in the Bronx has been delayed due to political hurdles. The New York City Council, under Speaker Adrienne Adams, decided against taking the measure to a vote that would enable the conversion of part of the former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point into a casino complex. This "home rule" message from the Council is necessary for the state legislature to rezone the parkland for commercial use, a prerequisite for the casino project to proceed[1][2].
In 2023, Bally's acquired the golf course lease from the Trump Organization for $60 million, with an additional $115 million contingent upon obtaining the rights to build and open a casino resort on the city-owned land[1][2][4]. Bally's plans to develop a large facility encompassing a 500,000-square-foot casino, a 500-room hotel, an event center, retail shops, and associated amenities[1][2][4].
The casino license application deadline is June 27, 2025. If the City Council approves the project at their next meeting on June 11, Bally's will have limited time to meet the deadline. The casino license costs $500 million, and the competition is fierce, with other major gaming companies vying for just three licenses in the New York area[1].
The success of the project would yield substantial benefits for both Bally's and the Trump Organization. Bally's would gain a prime location for their casino and associated development, while the Trump Organization could potentially earn up to $115 million in additional payments[4]. Bally's Chairman Soo Kim criticized the Council for the delay and implied the project may be facing political objections due to its ties with the Trump Organization[4].
In conclusion, the Bally's casino proposal faces a delay due to political challenges, potentially causing it to miss the June 27 state license application deadline. The deal with the Trump Organization presents significant potential earnings for both parties if the casino is approved and built[1][2][4].
[1] [Link to Original Article 1][2] [Link to Original Article 2][4] [Link to Original Article 4]
Despite the political delays in securing a casino license in the Bronx, Bally's has ambitious plans for their project, including expanding into sports betting and online casino offerings, such as blackjack, in addition to the proposed sports complex, hotel, and event center. If successful, Bally's could potentially offer a progressive jackpot for their online casino games, offering a life-changing jackpot similar to those found in Las Vegas casinos. The company would need to act quickly to meet the June 27, 2025, license application deadline to stay competitive in the New York gaming market with other major companies vying for limited licenses.
