Bally’s Bidding for New Casino in Bronx on Trump Organization Land
Bally’s, one of the American gaming giants, is willing to expand even further across the States. The company hopes its newest facility will be opened next to the public golf course at Ferry Point, which belongs to the Trump Organization.
The casino on Trump Organization’s property:
The organization might assign 17 acres of the 300 in total for the new casino. The ownership of the land is shared by the city and the real estate company that belongs to Donald Jr. and Eric Trump.
According to the Bally’s, only 10 acres of the land is needed for the casino, but the other seven will be used for green space, as well as buildings such as the accommodations for workers.
Before the Trump Organization acquired the property, it was a garbage dump. Now, Bally’s would like to acquire the entire property.
A spokesperson of the Bally’s said to the press: “We are incredibly excited at the prospect of bringing Bally’s community-centered approach to gaming and entertainment to The Bronx. At Bally’s, we start with the proposition that the leaders in the community know what is best for their community.”
The negotiations with local officials, community groups, and civic leaders are ongoing, and the company hopes they will see the potential in the casino, including economic prosperity and new jobs for the residents.
The proposals will be reviewed soon, and three licenses will be issued. However, Bally’s is the only company that is betting on the new casinos and licenses. Regarding other licenses, there is an expectation that Genting/ Resorts World and MGM’s Empire City would submit a request to get the licenses for table games.
Other companies also plan to bid for licenses. Steve Ross-Related Companies partnered with Wynn Resorts to gain a license for Hudson Yards. SL Green and Caesars Entertainment want to acquire the casino in Times Square. Also, Legends, a company whose owners are, among others, the Yankees, want to bid for the casino in Coney Island.
Political involvement:
Marjorie Velazquez, a Bronx Councilwoman, is really happy because of the possibility – she said it would be great to have a casino in the Bronx. The main reason lies in the job opportunities – which will improve the overall quality of life in the Bronx.
However, the property is very expensive, so it’s hard to afford to build something here. Velazquez added: “It’s an opportunity to reimagine what is possible at the site. I’m very proud to have The Bronx part of the conversation.”
Bally’s has an emotional connection to New York since Soo Kim, the company’s chairman, grew up in the city. Also, the company owns a New York sports betting license.
It seems everyone supports Bally’s. Famous lawyers Stanley Schlein and Carl Heastie, who are both related to the Democratic Party, are among the loudest lobbyists for the casino. The City Council wanted to take the property from the Trump Organization, so it would be a good step towards it.
Trump’s name would reportedly not be on the casino.
