The New York State Gaming Commission has granted three casino licenses for projects in the Bronx and Queens, with designs by Field Operations, Gensler, Perkins Eastman, and other leading studios.
Over the past year, these three projects were selected from a pool of eight proposals submitted to New York state during a competitive process to secure highly sought-after licenses for new or expanded casinos within the city.
The projects that received approval are Hard Rock Metropolitan Park (Metropolitan Park) by SHoP Architects and Field Operations in Queens; Resorts World New York City (Resorts World) by Perkins Eastman, also in Queens; and Bally’s Bronx Casino (Bally’s) by HKS and Gensler in the Bronx.
Metropolitan Park and Bally’s will be newly constructed from the ground up. The Resorts World New York City project involves expanding an existing “racino”—a combined racetrack and casino—located near JFK airport.
The Gaming Commission announced the approvals during a public meeting held on December 15.
“To all three who have been granted this conditional license, congratulations on behalf of the state of New York,” stated New York Gaming Commission chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “We look forward to seeing the jobs, economic development, infrastructure, and gaming revenue come to fruition.”
“You all have a difficult charge ahead of you, along with great responsibility, and you can be assured that this commission takes our responsibility in keeping your feet to the fire.”
According to a document from the Gaming Facility Location Board, which played a role in the approval process, all three projects will incorporate additional amenities such as hotels, parking garages, event centers, night and dayclubs, retail spaces, restaurants, bars, a golf course, and an expansive park designed by SHoP Architects and Field Operations as part of Metropolitan Park.
The expansion of Resorts World, led by Perkins Eastman, is expected to begin a phased opening as early as March 2026, with final completion targeted for 2031.
“An elegant expansion for New York City’s only casino includes a modern hotel, new state-of-the-art gaming and meeting spaces, and superior dining and retail establishments,” Perkins Eastman shared on its website.
“To minimize disruptions during design and construction, the team’s strategy prioritized both the client and guests, ensuring consistent design quality throughout the major hotel and entertainment venue.”
Bally’s Bronx involves constructing casino facilities above a pre-existing riverside golf course in the Bronx and is scheduled for completion in 2030. HKS is responsible for the architectural design, with Gensler handling the interiors.
Metropolitan Park is also aiming for a 2030 opening. Renderings depict a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino adjacent to Citi Field stadium, with a park extending between the two sites.
The Metropolitan Park project is strongly supported by Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, whose team plays at Citi Field. Meanwhile, rapper Nas is a partner in the Resorts World venture.
Several other notable studios and public figures were involved with proposals that were ultimately not selected, including BIG, CetraRuddy, and rapper Jay-Z, who supported a Times Square casino bid.
Despite the approvals, the projects have faced ongoing criticism regarding concerns about gambling addiction and negative effects on the nearby communities.
SOM was also associated with a casino proposal for Hudson Yards, which did not proceed. In other news, Zaha Hadid Architects recently unveiled a design for a nightclub and casino in a marina in the Bahamas.
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