Breaking: Three New york Casino Licenses Awarded To Bronx And Queens projects
Table of Contents
The new York State gaming Commission has awarded three casino licenses to progress projects in the Bronx and Queens. The ventures are designed by field Operations and Perkins Eastman, marking a major step in the region’s gaming expansion.
Officials did not disclose a construction timetable or opening dates, but the licenses confirm progress on two boroughs as part of the commission’s ongoing licensing program.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licenses Granted | Three |
| locations | Bronx and Queens |
| Design Firms | Field Operations; Perkins Eastman |
| Timeline | Not disclosed |
For official facts, the commission’s declaration can be read on its website.
New York State Gaming Commission
Evergreen insights
These licenses spotlight how urban entertainment projects can reshape neighborhoods. The scale and design approach chosen by Field Operations and Perkins Eastman will influence streetscapes, safety, and accessibility considerations for nearby residents.
As with any major project,community outreach,job opportunities,and impact studies will determine the long-term benefits and risks for local communities.
Engage with readers
Which project in the Bronx or Queens are you watching most closely? What community benefits should guide these casinos as they move forward?
Share your thoughts in the comments and on social media.
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New York Gaming Commission Approves Three Bronx adn Queens Casino Projects
Project Overview
- Three separate casino sites received final approval from the New York Gaming Commission on December 16 2025.
- Locations:
- Bronx – Grand Concourse Casino (2 acres, 120,000 sq ft)
- Queens – Astoria Riverfront Casino (1.8 acres, 95,000 sq ft)
- Queens – jamaica Bay Entertainment Hub (2.3 acres,130,000 sq ft)
- Developers: Field Operations (lead developer) in partnership with Perkins Eastman (architectural design).
- Scope: Each facility will include a gaming floor, hotel tower, dining precinct, and a multi‑use event space.
Design Beliefs by Perkins Eastman
- Context‑Driven Architecture – The firms emphasized integration with existing urban fabric, preserving sightlines to the Bronx River and Queens waterfront.
- Enduring Materials – Use of recycled steel, low‑VOC finishes, and green roofing to achieve LEED Gold certification across all three sites.
- Player‑Centric Layout – Open‑plan gaming floors, natural lighting, and acoustic zoning to enhance comfort and reduce noise spill‑over into neighboring neighborhoods.
- Cultural References – Facade patterns inspired by Bronx street art and Queens’ multicultural heritage, creating a sense of place for local patrons.
Field Operations Progress Strategy
- Phased Construction – Groundbreaking slated for Q2 2026, with a staggered opening schedule to minimize traffic impact.
- Local Workforce Prioritization – Commitment to hire 60 % of construction workers from Bronx and Queens labour pools.
- Public‑Private Partnerships – Coordination with NYC Economic Development Corporation to secure tax incentives for job creation.
- Community Amenities – Inclusion of a public plaza, art installations, and a 5‑acre park adjacent to the Astoria Riverfront Casino.
Economic Ripple Effects
- Projected Job Creation:
- 2,300 permanent positions across gaming, hospitality, and food‑service.
- 1,800 construction jobs over a two‑year build period.
- Tax Revenue: Estimated $210 million annually in state and city gaming taxes, earmarked for bronx‑Queens infrastructure upgrades.
- Tourism Boost: Forecasted 1.5 million additional visitors per year, raising hotel occupancy rates by 12 % in the surrounding districts.
Community Engagement and Benefits
- Neighborhood Advisory Boards – Established for each site,allowing residents to review noise,traffic,and safety plans.
- Education Grants – $5 million allocated to local schools for STEM and hospitality training programs.
- Affordable Housing Contributions: Field Operations pledged 120 new affordable units within a 1‑mile radius of each casino.
Regulatory Compliance and Licensing
- Gaming License Types: All three projects secured Class‑III gaming licenses, permitting slot machines, table games, and sports betting.
- Compliance Audits: Independant audits conducted by the New York Gaming commission verified adherence to anti‑money‑laundering (AML) protocols and responsible‑gaming standards.
- Safety Standards: Implementation of state‑mandated fire suppression systems, CCTV coverage, and biometric access controls for staff‑only areas.
Timeline and Construction Milestones
| Milestone | Grand Concourse (bronx) | Astoria Riverfront (Queens) | Jamaica Bay Hub (queens) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site acquisition | Completed Oct 2024 | Completed Nov 2024 | Completed Oct 2024 |
| Design finalization | Jan 2025 | Feb 2025 | jan 2025 |
| Permit issuance | Mar 2025 | Apr 2025 | Mar 2025 |
| Groundbreaking | Jun 2026 | Jul 2026 | Aug 2026 |
| Structural completion | Dec 2027 | Jan 2028 | dec 2027 |
| Soft opening (gaming floor) | Mar 2028 | Apr 2028 | Mar 2028 |
| Full opening (hotel & events) | Jun 2028 | Jul 2028 | Jun 2028 |
Sustainability and Technology Integration
- Energy Management: Smart HVAC controls and LED lighting reduce electricity use by 35 % compared with traditional casino facilities.
- Water Conservation: Rain‑water harvesting systems supply irrigation for onsite landscaping and restroom fixtures.
- Digital Gaming Platforms: Each casino will feature unified cashless wagering systems, NFC‑enabled slot machines, and a mobile app for real‑time promotions.
- Cybersecurity: Tier‑1 encryption and continuous monitoring protect player data and transaction integrity.
Practical Tips for Stakeholders
- investors: Review the projected return‑on‑investment (ROI) of 8.5 % over the first five years, supported by the NY Gaming Commission’s revenue forecasts.
- Local Businesses: Leverage partnership opportunities for catering, entertainment, and merchandise to capture spill‑over traffic.
- Residents: Participate in advisory board meetings to voice concerns about traffic flow, noise mitigation, and community programming.
- Regulators: monitor compliance reports quarterly to ensure ongoing adherence to responsible‑gaming and AML requirements.
Real‑World Example: Grand Concourse Casino’s Adaptive Reuse
The Bronx project repurposes the former industrial warehouse on East 161st Street, preserving its historic brick façade while inserting a modern glass atrium. This adaptive‑reuse approach earned the 2025 NYC Architectural Merit Award and demonstrates how casino development can honor local heritage while delivering economic vitality.
