If state officials grant one of Bally’s Corp. three available gaming licenses, the U.S. president will win a big win, and the company hopes to open a casino on a city-owned golf course that was once run by Trump, according to a report.
In 2023, Barley paid Trump $60 million in rights to operate an 18-hole public route on the Bronx coastline, and the East River met Long Island, according to the Associated Press.
The gaming company quickly knocked down a huge “Trump Link” logo, which was almost impossible to miss a driver who traveled through Whitestone Bridge and renamed Bally at Ferry Point’s Golf Links according to the report.
But if Bally gets a license to open a casino on site, Bally promises to pay Trump another $115 million.
The letter reveals the transaction as evidence, which was shown in a New York state trial that Trump habitually states the value of his assets in the financial statements given to banks. The letter describes the non-refundable $115 million payment as a “game activity fee.” Trump’s interest in the Barry Project may be a wildcard for the New York casino raffle. At least 11 bidders say they are fighting for the right to build the first, comprehensive casino in the city and its nearest suburbs.
The game attracted big players: Caesars Palace plans to build a casino in Times Square. The company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue hopes to place a casino on a luxury department store in Manhattan. New York Mets owner Steve Cohen proposed a casino outside the Queens baseball team’s home. Other suggestions will make the casino near the boardwalk on Coney Island, at Long Island Arena, which was formerly home to New York Islanders, or skyscrapers built in Manhattan.
Two other bidders hope to expand existing operations. MGM Resorts hopes to make a major upgrade to its existing imperial city, “Racino,” which is located on a horse track in the outskirts of Yonkers. The gaming company Genting hopes to conduct a multi-billion-dollar resort of Racino, the Reafuctuctuct Horse Track in Queens. Now, these two gambling venues are legally restricted to slot machines and certain other machine games.
The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. It is unclear how Trump’s connection with one of the bidders affects the selection process.
Applications should be submitted to the State Assembly by late June. First, a community advisory committee composed of appointees from governors, mayors, state and local officials will consider them. Their job will be to weigh any local support or opposition. The proposals then return to the state gaming committee, which hopes to grant a license by the end of the year.
Applicants must also obtain various zoning or land use approvals based on the location and scope of their project. Barry’s project is also expected to require the state legislature to pass a bill that allows the company to build casinos on Public Parkland.
The federal government has not played any role in the casino license selection process in the state.
Among many public officials in New York, Trump still has the ability to influence the process, and resentment may become a barrier to Barry’s bid.
Someone may try to use Trump’s financial interests as bargaining chips.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul clashed with the Trump administration’s immigration policy, federal funding for the city’s subway system, and fee plans in Manhattan. The Trump administration is also trying to revive a plan to build a gas pipeline through New York, which was stopped by state environmental regulators in 2017.
Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is under intense pressure to prove his political independence after the Justice Department revokes the corruption case so he can assist the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.
Trump’s Trump Organization, which owns more than a dozen golf courses around the world, first gained the right to manage ferry sites in 2012.
The city spent more than $120 million to build a course designed by Jack Nicklaus on an old landfill and envisioned an East Coast version of California’s famous pebble beach link, and a major tournament that never achieved.
FAQ
Q1. Who is the president of the United States?
A1. Donald Trump is the president of the United States.
Q2. Who is the mayor of New York City?
A2. New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
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