NYC Mayor Adams Disregards Accusations of Preference in Supporting Bally's Casino Application
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has taken a significant step in the ongoing casino license application process, revitalizing Bally's Corporation's bid for a $4 billion casino development in the Bronx.
Initially, the New York City Council rejected Bally’s land-use rezoning application, effectively blocking the project[2]. However, on July 30, 2025, Adams used his veto power to override the Council’s disapproval, giving Bally’s a chance to continue competing for one of the three downstate New York casino licenses.
The veto was issued to maintain a competitive, fair process and to allow the Bronx a chance at the economic benefits from the casino project, including thousands of jobs and community investments[1][3][4][5]. The decision came at the direct request of Bronx City Council Members Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Kevin Riley, as well as pressure from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, all of whom advocated for keeping Bally’s bid alive for the borough’s economic sake[3].
Adams emphasized that his veto was not an endorsement or favoritism toward Bally’s over other bidders but rather a move to ensure a fair playing field before the final decision[1]. If the City Council fails to override the veto with a two-thirds majority within ten days, Bally’s application will remain in consideration.
The proposed site for the casino is located in the Bronx, which includes a golf course previously owned by the Trump Organization. If Bally’s wins final approval, the Trump Organization could receive a substantial payout of $115m[1]. However, Adams has denied any favoritism influencing his veto.
The redesignation of the site from parkland has potentially expedited the casino license application process for Bally's. The casino license application process will be affected by Adams' veto and the City Council's subsequent decision.
The New York State Gaming Commission's final decisions on casino licenses are expected before the end of 2025. The future of Bally's Corporation's casino license application now lies with the City Council, as they have ten days to overrule the veto. The outcome will determine whether the project moves forward or is once again blocked.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/nyregion/ballys-casino-bronx-mayor-adams.html [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/15/nyregion/ballys-casino-bronx-city-council.html [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/nyregion/ballys-casino-bronx-mayor-adams-veto.html [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/business/ballys-casino-bronx-mayor-adams-veto.html [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/nyregion/ballys-casino-bronx-mayor-adams-veto-jobs.html
Policy-and-legislation played a crucial role in Bally's Corporation's casino project, with the New York City Council initially rejecting the land-use rezoning application. However, politics intervened when Mayor Eric Adams used his veto power to overturn the Council's decision, allowing Bally's to continue competing for one of the three downstate New York casino licenses, which is a matter of general news.
