Democratic members of New York City Council unable to override Mayor's backing of Bally's Bronx project.
In the heart of the Bronx, the proposed $4 billion Bally's casino development at Ferry Point is making waves in New York City's political landscape. The project, managed by Bally's Corp. since acquiring the city-owned Bally's Golf Links from The Trump Organization in 2023, is one of eight bids for the three available casino concessions in NYC.
Following Mayor Eric Adams' veto of the New York City Council's rejection of the Bally's casino plans, the latest indication is that the City Council is expected to allow the bid to proceed rather than override the veto and block it. This shift in council dynamics suggests that Bally's project in the Bronx is currently advancing and remains actively in contention for licensing approval.
Initially, the City Council had rejected the bid, but Mayor Adams vetoed their decision on July 30, 2025, effectively nullifying their initial disapproval. As early as August, reports highlighted that the City Council was leaning toward supporting Ballyβs bid, going against the position of some local members and showing a narrowing gap in votes to approve the necessary "home rule" message that would clear the path for Bally's to compete for a casino license.
Two Bronx legislators have even introduced legislation to further aid Bally's bid, reinforcing local political support for the project. However, the City Council can override Adams' veto with a two-thirds majority, or 34 votes, but insiders suggest it would be difficult for Democratic leaders to rally up the needed votes due to many councilors being on vacation.
At the state level, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board is continuing its process with all casino applicants, including Ballyβs, needing to complete entitlements and community advisory committee approvals by September 30, 2025. Final Board decisions on casino licenses are expected by December 1, 2025, with licensure following by the end of the year.
Mayor Adams has been vocal about his support for the Bally's Bronx bid, claiming the Bronx should be given the same full consideration for such an economic opportunity as other targeted boroughs. However, his position has faced criticism from NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens), who has criticized the mayor's actions regarding the Bally's Bronx bid.
Despite the ongoing political drama, the Bally's Bronx casino bid is moving forward. If Bally's Bronx receives a casino license, The Trump Organization would receive a $115 million payment from Bally's, a condition of the sale of Ferry Point Golf Links.
As the deadline for the state board's decision approaches, the fate of the Bally's Bronx casino bid remains uncertain. However, with the City Council's expected decision to let the bid proceed, the project is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Sources:
- New York Gaming Facility Location Board
- New York Daily News
- The City
- Crain's New York Business
- Politico
- The Bally's casino development in the Bronx, valued at $4 billion, is progressing in the political landscape of New York City, managed by Bally's Corp.
- Bally's Bronx casino bid is currently advancing due to the City Council's anticipated decision to allow the bid to proceed, despite an initial rejection.
- Two Bronx legislators have introduced legislation to support Bally's Bronx project, indicating local political backing for the development.
- The New York Gaming Facility Location Board continues to evaluate all casino applications, including Bally's, with decisions on licenses expected by December 1, 2025.
- Should Bally's Bronx receive a casino license, the Trump Organization, previous owners of the Bally's Golf Links, would receive a $115 million payment from Bally's Corp.
- The fate of Bally's Bronx casino bid is uncertain, as the deadline for the state board's decision approaches, but the project moves forward with the expected City Council decision to let it proceed.
