UK
Bally’s Corp. Chairman Soo Kim thinks that his company’s application for a casino license in downstate New York is facing discrimination due to President Donald Trump’s minimal involvement.
In 2023, Bally’s obtained the golf course lease at Ferry Point Park from The Trump Organization in a private transaction said to be valued at $60 million. The deal also contained a clause ensuring The Trump Organization an extra $115 million if Bally’s acquires the permission to construct and launch a casino resort on the site owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
Bally’s oversees the 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, located in the Throggs Neck area of the Bronx, referred to as Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. When Trump managed the course, it was known as the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.
Bally's has unveiled proposals for a multibillion-dollar venue that includes a 500,000-square-foot casino housing 5,100 slot machines and table game positions, along with a 500-room hotel, situated on part of the Ferry Point Park land. The project would not affect the golf course and would also feature a 2,000-seat event center, a comprehensive spa, and parking facilities accommodating nearly 4,700 cars.
Kim Criticizes City Leaders
This week, legislators in New York state approved a bill to rezone parkland in Queens, allowing billionaire Steve Cohen to advance his casino proposal at his Citi Field MLB stadium. Kim has not yet been fortunate enough to gain government approval to make his casino vision a reality.
Before Kim and Bally’s can compete for one of the three downstate New York gaming concessions that include slot machines, live-dealer table games, and sports betting rights, city officials need to approve the use of part of the city-owned Ferry Point Park for this venture.
On Wednesday, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens), among the 45 Democrats in the 51-member legislative body, blocked a vote regarding the Bally’s Bronx casino appeal. Kim informed the New York Post that Adams’ actions are merely the most recent in a series of incidents apparently demonstrating the council’s prejudice against the project solely because The Trump Organization would gain if it receives a gaming concession.
"They’re saying, ‘If Bally’s win, Trump benefits.’ That’s crazy,” Kim said. “If we don’t get a vote in the City Council, we can’t advance our bid.”
Kim and Bally’s spent $60 million to obtain the golf course business to give the firm a route to apply for a NYC casino license. Bally’s definitely didn't spend the $60 million just to operate a golf course for the city.
City officials dismissed the idea that they are trying to hinder the Bally’s project.
"We’re still working on home rule messages for state legislation,” said council spokesperson Mandela Jones. “The process hasn’t been completed for this legislative session.”
NYC council members earn an annual income of $148,500. Adams earns a higher salary of $164,500 as the council speaker. State legislators in Albany receive an annual salary of $142K.
Clock is Ticking
The 2025 legislative session of the New York City Council continues until September, yet the New York Gaming Facility Location Board has established a deadline of June 28 for submitting bids.
In January, the Bally’s Bronx casino received a positive environmental impact assessment from the New York City Office of the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce.
“The Proposed Actions would not result in an immediate or long-term loss of environmental resources, since the Proposed Development would not negatively affect any nearby natural resources, and the Development Site has been previously developed as a municipal solid waste landfill before the landfill was closed and redeveloped as a Golf Course with supportive uses,” the review found.
