Bally’s Bronx casino plan frustrated by New York City Council

Bally’s has been frustrated in its bid for progress on plans to develop a casino on part of the former Trump Golf Links site at Ferry Point in the Bronx. 

On Wednesday (May 28), New York City Council opted to delay dialogue on the proposal, leaving the situation in relative limbo. 

Led by Speaker and mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams, the council refrained from bringing the matter to the floor, withholding the necessary “home rule” message that would allow the state legislature body to consider a land-use bill for the project. 

Without that key process, the entire project cannot proceed any further.

Bally’s took ownership of the golf course two years ago and subsequently renamed it, Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point.

As part of the deal, the U.S. betting and entertainment giant agreed to pay the Trump Organization a further $115 million if it was able to acquire one of three available state casino licenses. 

That brings us to a major point of contention, wrapped in political differences and the assertion that President Trump stands to gain a significant indirect financial benefit from the delivery of a Bally’s Casino at Ferry Point.

Bally’s chairman Soo Kim blasted what he described as a “whisper campaign” by rival casino bidders, alleging that they have whipped up anti-Trump sentiment to undermine support for their plans.

Kim told the New York Post the message was: “If Bally’s wins, Trump benefits. That’s crazy, he exclaimed.” 

“If we don’t get a vote in the City Council, we can’t advance our bid.”

NYC Council delays vote to advance Bally’s casino at former Trump golf course in the Bronx https://t.co/YLmuFiN1N4 pic.twitter.com/EWZ9SRHzqx

— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) May 29, 2025

The major development proposal includes a 500,000-square-foot casino complex, a 500-room hotel with a spa and meeting facilities, retail offerings, a 2,000-capacity event center, and parking for up to 4,660 vehicles.

However, there has been doubt cast on the viability of the plan and, crucially, political support. 

The NYP cited a council insider who intimated that Bally’s does not have the required support among members to propel it forward. It was said lobbying efforts had not been fruitful, while another indicated, “We don’t put bills on the floor without the votes.”

Conversely, progress has not been ruled out, with claims of a coordinated effort to block the project denied. 

“We’re still working on home rule messages for state legislation. The process hasn’t been completed for this legislative session,” said Council spokesperson Mandela Jones, a representative for Speaker Adams. 

Image credit: Bally’s

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