NYC Council Postpones Vote on Bally’s Casino Proposal at former Trump golf course in the Bronx

Bally’s Corporation, which acquired the Ferry Point golf course from the Trump Organization in 2023 — now rebranded as Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point — is facing delays in its push to secure a casino license in the Bronx.

As part of the acquisition deal, Bally’s agreed to pay the Trump Organization an additional $115 million if it wins the license. This stipulation has sparked political friction, with Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim alleging that rival lobbyists are fueling anti-Trump sentiment to derail the proposal. “They’re saying, ‘If Bally’s wins, Trump benefits.’ That’s crazy,” Kim told The New York Post.

Kim emphasized the project’s broader benefits, including more than $600 million in community investments, substantial job creation, and increased tax revenues. The proposed development includes a 500,000-square-foot casino, a 500-room hotel with a spa and meeting facilities, retail outlets, a 2,000-seat event venue, and two parking garages with space for up to 4,660 vehicles.

However, the NYC Council delayed a key vote this week, frustrating Bally’s executives. “If we don’t get a vote in the City Council, we can’t advance our bid,” Kim said, accusing the Council of “moving the goalposts.”

Behind the scenes, Council sources suggest Bally’s has struggled to rally support and lacks the votes needed to move forward. They argue the company has been slow in its lobbying efforts, and concerns about the Trump connection, while present, are not the main obstacle.

Time is running short. Bally’s needs the state legislature to approve a bill repurposing the parkland for casino use, which first requires a “home rule” message from the City Council. The Council is expected to meet next on June 11. State bids for three downstate casino licenses are due by June 27, and Albany’s legislative session ends in mid-June.

Councilman Lincoln Restler, who chairs the governmental operations committee, said Bally’s will have “another bite at the apple” in the coming weeks.

While Bronx Republican Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato is reportedly opposed to the project, Democrats in the borough’s delegation are working to line up support.

State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who would sponsor the enabling legislation in Albany, acknowledged frustration with Trump’s residual involvement but defended the deal. “While I hate it… it was part of the business deal to get his name off the property and out of the Bronx,” she said.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ office maintains that Bally’s proposal is still under consideration. “The process hasn’t been completed for this legislative session,” said Council spokesperson Mandela Jones.