Bally’s eyes the Bronx

Bally’s Corporation has thrown its hat into the New York City casino license ring following talks with the Trump Organization, sources say.

plans for a Bronx casino near Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point

According to a statement supposedly sent to the New York Post, the Rhode Island-based gaming firm has confirmed plans for a Bronx casino near Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. Sources familiar with the plan confirmed that Bally’s has held discussions with the real estate arm of ex-President Donald’s Trump business empire.

While the Bally’s project would require 17 of the 300-acre golf course that Trump Org operates under a 20-year contract with the city, the casino itself would take up just ten acres. That said, Bally’s is reportedly seeking to eventually take over the entire property, which is run by two of Donald Trump’s sons.

Jobs and community

Sources suggest that if Bally’s wins the NYC casino license, its project has the potential to create over 15,000 construction jobs and more than 3,500 full-time union jobs with annual salary starting at $70,000.

community-centered take on gaming and entertainment

Bally’s is the only gaming firm in the ever-growing cast of license bidders to propose the Bronx as its base. In the statement, Bally’s said it was “incredibly excited” about bringing its community-centered take on gaming and entertainment to the area.

The firm added it had engaged in conversations with local elected officials, civic heads, and community groups to “hear directly from them about what they would like to see from a potential new project.”

The resulting proposal by Bally’s includes transforming both the Trump golf links and a former garbage dump site “into a world class entertainment destination,” along with new public green space and staff housing.

Boost for the area

Bally’s also promised to provide opportunities for small businesses and residents in the area to share in the economic prosperity and amenities provided by the casino project.

On Sunday, Bronx Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez said the Bally’s plan was:

really great for The Bronx.”

She added the Trump course was too expensive for nearby residing constituents and that the Bally’s project was “an opportunity to reimagine what is possible at the site.”