Will Mayor Eric Adams of New York City potentially intervene to resurrect Bally's casino project in the Bronx?
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is currently considering whether to veto the New York City Council's recent vote that effectively blocks Bally's Bronx casino bid. The City Council voted against rezoning a portion of city-owned land in the Bronx needed for Bally's $4 billion casino and entertainment complex.
The decision to veto would allow Bally's bid to continue, potentially paving the way for the company to secure one of the three downstate New York casino licenses. Adams has previously supported the Bally’s project, assisting in advancing necessary legislation in June and expressing disappointment with the Council vote.
The Bally's Bronx proposal, if approved, would generate significant economic benefits. It is projected to generate an annual economic impact of $1.9 billion and $357 million in annual tax revenue. The Trump Organization stands to benefit indirectly if Bally’s secures a downstate license, as it is involved in partnership with Bally's for casino operations in New York State.
However, the City Council's disapproval of the Bally's Bronx bid is criticized for potentially benefiting Republican President Trump. This criticism stems from the sale of the Ferry Point Golf Links lease to Bally's Corp. by Trump for a reported $60 million in 2023.
As of late July 2025, Mayor Adams has not publicly finalized his decision. His Deputy Press Secretary, Zachary Nosanchuk, stated that the mayor is reviewing options in response to the City Council's vote on the Bally's appeal.
Meanwhile, the Empire City Casino in Yonkers is gaining favor as a strong alternative for one of the three state licenses, buoyed by Bronx officials' support and its readiness to proceed.
This decision will have substantial implications for the future of casino development in the Bronx and the position of Bally’s—and indirectly the Trump Organization—in New York’s casino license race.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/15/nyregion/ballys-bronx-casino-mayor-adams.html [2] https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-ballys-bronx-casino-adams-20250715-6p66a27q2ncej7j545f67j7q4u-story.html [3] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/15/ballys-bronx-casino-adams-20250715 [4] https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2025/07/15/ballys-bronx-casino-adams-considers-veto [5] https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/ballys-bronx-casino-bid-mayor-adams-veto-decision-looms-city-council-vote
- The New York City Council's vote against rezoning land for Bally's $4 billion casino in the Bronx is currently being reviewed by Mayor Eric Adams, who has the option to veto the decision.
- If Mayor Adams decides not to veto, Bally's Bronx casino bid could continue, potentially enabling the company to secure one of New York's three downstate casino licenses.
- Despite the City Council's vote, Mayor Adams previously supported the Bally’s project, helping to advance necessary legislation in June and expressing disappointment with the Council vote.
- The Bally's Bronx proposal, if approved, would generate significant economic benefits, with projections showing an annual economic impact of $1.9 billion and $357 million in annual tax revenue.
- However, critics argue that the City Council's disapproval of the Bally's Bronx bid could indirectly benefit Republican President Trump, due to his 2023 sale of the Ferry Point Golf Links lease to Bally's Corp. for a reported $60 million.
- As of late July 2025, Mayor Adams has not made a final decision, with his Deputy Press Secretary stating that he is reviewing options in response to the Council's vote on the Bally's appeal.
- Meanwhile, the Empire City Casino in Yonkers is gaining favor as a strong alternative for one of the three state licenses, boosted by support from Bronx officials and its readiness to proceed.
- This decision on Bally’s Bronx casino will have substantial implications for the future of casino development in the Bronx, as well as the position of Bally’s—and indirectly the Trump Organization—in New York’s casino license race. [(1) New York Times, (2) New York Daily News, (3) Politico, (4) NY1, (5) Crain's New York]
