Bally’s Corporation Proposes Bronx Casino with 15,000 Construction Jobs and 3,500 Permanent Jobs

Bally’s Corporation is looking to build a casino in the Bronx, on public parkland at Ferry Point that is currently home to the Trump Organization’s golf course.[0] According to the New York Daily News, a December deal between Bally’s and the Trump Organization would transfer 17 acres of city-owned land from the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point into the hands of the casino chain.[1]

The casino would cover 10 of the 17 acres, with the rest potentially devoted to greenery and workforce housing.[2] Bally's has initiated a recurrent series of dialogues with local elected representatives, community organizations, and influential civic figures, inquiring for their feedback on the possible venture.[3] A spokesperson for the company said its vision calls for “transforming a former waste disposal site and a high-end golf course into a world-class entertainment destination.”[4]

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio in January 2021 attempted to scrap the Trump Organization’s contract for the golf course, citing former President Donald Trump’s alleged role in inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.[5] But a Manhattan Supreme Court judge ruled that de Blasio was wrong to scuttle that agreement.[5]

Bally’s plan has the blessing from Bronx Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, who said she was bullish on having a casino there.[0] “It’s really great for The Bronx,” Velazquez said, foreseeing good-paying union jobs with a spillover effect to boost mom-and-pop businesses.[6]

The project could create over 15,000 construction jobs and 3,500 permanent, high-paying union ones with salaries starting at $70,000, plus benefits and retirement.[5] Velazquez also said: “It’s an opportunity to reimagine what is possible at the site. I’m very proud to have The Bronx part of the conversation.”[7]

Long-term, Bally’s would like to take over the entire 300-acre property from the Trump Org.[3] Notably, Bally’s has some New York roots, since its Chairman, Soo Kim, grew up in Queens and the firm is owner of one of the sports betting licenses in New York.[7]

0. “A casino proposed for the Bronx – POLITICO” POLITICO, 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook-pm/2023/02/13/a-casino-proposed-for-the-bronx-00082622

1. “Bally's Tees Up Bid for Bronx Casino on Trump Golf Course Land” Connect CRE, 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.connectcre.com/stories/ballys-tees-up-bid-for-bronx-casino-on-trump-golf-course-land

2. “Bally's proposes plan for building casino in the Bronx by Trump golf course” New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-ballys-proposes-casino-bronx-trump-golf-links-20230213-52bbhbdvqnbt5a5i4ofebvr53m-story.html

3. “Bally's proposes casino on Trump's Ferry Point golf course in the Bronx” Crain's New York Business, 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.crainsnewyork.com/politics/ballys-proposes-casino-trumps-ferry-point-golf-course-bronx

4. “Bally's in talks to open potential casino at Trump golf course in the Bronx” 1010 WINS, 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/ballys-looks-to-open-casino-at-trump-golf-course-in-nyc

5. “Bally's Talking With Trump Org About Bronx Casino At Ferry Point” Casino.Org News, 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.casino.org/news/ballys-talking-with-trump-org-about-bronx-casino-at-ferry-point/

6. “NYC casino race: Bally's eyeing casino project at Trump Org's public golf course in The Bronx” Yogonet International, 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.yogonet.com/international//news/2023/02/13/66085-nyc-casino-race-bally-39s-eyeing-casino-project-at-trump-org-39s-public-golf-course-in-the-bronx

7. “Bally's Bids for New New York Casino in Bronx” World Casino Directory, 13 Feb. 2023, https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/ballys-bidding-for-the-new-casino-in-bronx-on-the-trump-organization-land-107564