Overview

• Mayor Eric Adams issued a formal support message that lowered the threshold from two-thirds to a simple majority, securing the council’s 32-12 vote.
• The proposal envisions a 500,000-square-foot gaming hall, a 500-room hotel, a 2,000-seat event center, retail shops and parking for up to 4,660 vehicles.
• As part of its 2023 purchase of the golf course, Bally’s paid $60 million and agreed to pay the Trump Organization $115 million if it secures a casino license.
• Councilmember Kristy Marmorato and other critics argue the plan rewards outside lobbyists and threatens community control over parkland.
• The state legislature must approve parkland alienation legislation before the State Gaming Commission awards three downstate casino licenses by year’s end.