The race for New York City’s first full-service casino license is turning into a spectacle. Big names, big money, and a side deal that could hand Donald Trump a $115 million payday. The city’s never seen a contest like this. And the stakes? They’re sky-high.
The Trump-Bally’s Deal: $115 Million on the Line
Bally’s is aiming to turn the Ferry Point golf course in the Bronx into a casino. They picked up the course from Trump’s company for $60 million, but that’s just the opening bid. If Bally’s lands the casino license, Trump’s set to pocket another $115 million, all spelled out in a “gaming event fee” buried in court filings. The whole thing reads like a plot twist nobody saw coming.
People in the casino business are glued to every update. The same goes for anyone who gambles regularly. These deals get complicated fast, and not everyone wants to risk their own cash to see how it all plays out. That’s where sweepstakes casinos come in - they let you get a taste for the action, no deposit required (Source: progressivesweepslots.com).
Some sweepstakes sites even team up with local spots, handing out gift cards to neighborhood restaurants instead of chips. It’s a way to play along with the casino buzz, but keep things low-key and stress-free.
Bally’s isn’t the only player in the hunt. Caesars wants Times Square. Steve Cohen, owner of the Mets, is eyeing Queens. Saks Fifth Avenue’s owners want a casino above their flagship store. MGM and Genting are pushing to upgrade their racinos in Yonkers and at Aqueduct. Coney Island, Long Island, and even Manhattan skyscrapers are in the mix. Eleven bidders, one license, and a city that’s never had a full-scale casino before.
Caesars promises a 5,000-seat showroom with live entertainment every night, while Cohen’s proposal couples gaming tables with a public plaza and affordable hotel rooms for families. Saks’s plan includes an art gallery on the casino floor, blending high fashion and high stakes.
Trump’s name is polarizing in New York. Some see the $115 million side deal as a smart business move. Others call it a distraction. The city spent over $120 million building the Jack Nicklaus-designed course on an old landfill, hoping for major championships that never came. Now, the land could host slot machines and table games instead of golf tournaments.
Councilmember Rivera said in a statement, “This project has potential if we guard public access and protect parkland.” That push-pull reflects the mood citywide: excitement, skepticism, and a dash of politics.
Opposition isn’t just coming from politicians or advocacy groups. Regular folks in the Bronx and across the city have started showing up at meetings, voicing concerns about noise, late-night crowds, and what a casino might mean for their block. Some see the promise of union jobs and new restaurants. Others worry their rent will spike, or that the neighborhood vibe will vanish. The debate’s personal, messy, and not going away anytime soon.
Applications are due by late June. Community boards, the mayor, and the governor all get a say. The state’s gaming board will review the bids, and the winners could be announced by the end of the year. But with so much money and so many egos involved, delays are almost guaranteed.
Public hearings start next month, with at least ten open sessions scheduled across the boroughs. Written comments can be submitted online, and each bidder will host town-hall style events to rally support.
