New York City Municipal Agencies Just Got Approval for a $4 Billion Increase
Golf and gambling have never been at the top of New York City’s list of attractions.
Now, both pursuits are destined to draw visitors to the same New York hotel.
On Monday, the New York Gaming Commission issued a gaming license to Bally’s to build a casino-hotel in Ferry Point Park in the Bronx. The park, owned by the city, is home to a Jack Nicklaus-designed links-style course formerly operated by President Donald Trump’s company. (The committee also approved two other casino project proposals, both in Queens: Metropolitan Park next to Citi Field and further development of Resorts World at South Ozone Park.)
The Bally’s development will be of particular interest to golfers, given that the now-approved $4 billion gaming and hotel complex will loom over the southern end of the course. Plans include a casino, a 23-story 500-room hotel, conference and events center and retail space.
“At the junction of the structure’s three wings is a curvilinear skybridge topped by an extensive landscaped terrace and revealing additional green roof covering the remainder of the stepped setback,” new york imby Reported in July. “Also visible are a winding walkway and redesigned vehicle entrance at the north end of the property.”
Nestled in the shadow of the Whitestone Bridge, Ferry Point is known for its New York City skyline views and rolling, fescue-lined fairways you’d rather find in Bandon than the Bronx. In 2022, the property became the venue for the Saudi Aramco Team Series, a Saudi-funded Women’s European Tour event won by Lexi Thompson.
The course was first approved by then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani in 2000, with a goal of opening in 2003. But environmental concerns and ballooning budgets have hampered development. After years of mismanagement, the city granted the Trump Organization a 20-year operating license in 2012. The course was offered three years later.
In 2021, Trump’s relationship with Cape Ferri became a focus for many New Yorkers in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection, which led then-Mayor Bill DeBlasio to terminate the Trump Organization’s contract, but a judge overturned that decision and returned the contract to Trump. In September 2023, Bally’s paid $60 million to the Trump Organization to take over the site’s license, an agreement that runs until 2035. By January 2024, the property has been renamed Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point.
“This is another step in making the Bronx a global destination,” Deputy Borough President Janet Peguero said at the time.
The approval of the casino license brings another payout for the Trump Organization. according to new york timesThe original purchase agreement between Bally’s and the Trump Organization stipulated that Bally’s would have to pay the Trump Company an additional $115 million if the gaming license was obtained after the sale date.
“When they first proposed [the agreement]and I was like, ‘What the hell? ‘” Bally’s chairman Soo Kim told the media era. “They’ve made a lot of money for the golf course. How much do they think it’s worth? But they know how much it’s worth to me, to us and to the Bronx.”
