3 NYC casinos get licenses for Vegas-style gaming – with first to open as early as March

It’s a Big Apple casino jackpot.

Three high-profile casino projects got their final approval Monday from the state’s gaming commission – the last hurdle to bring Las Vegas-style gambling to the city.

The projects are Mets owner Steve Cohen’s and Hard Rock’s $8.1 billion plan to bring a gaming complex near Citi Field, Genting-Resorts World’s casino at Aqueduct Racetrack and Bally’s plan to open a casino on President Trump’s former golf course in the Bronx.

“The three approved casinos will generate billions of dollars for the MTA and education, create tens of thousands of jobs and deliver real benefits to their surrounding communities,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.

“Each of the projects made significant commitments to their communities and to New York State, and the Gaming Commission was clear that they will hold these projects accountable and make sure they keep their promises.”

The approvals end a topsy-turvy race by casino hopefuls – including rapper Jay-Z, who pushed a Times Square casino – to snatch up coveted state gaming licenses.

Cohen celebrated the casino win – which came days after his Mets lost stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz.

“Since the day I bought the team, the community and Mets fans have made it clear to me that we can and should do better with the area around the ballpark,” he said in a statement.

“Now, we are going to be able to deliver the sports and entertainment district that our fans have been asking for.”

Bally’s chairman Soo Kim, reached by phone in Sydney, Australia, said he was elated at winning a casino license on the grounds of the former Trump golf course at Ferry Point in the Bronx.

Kim, who was raised in Queens, said it’s like hitting the jackpot for Bally’s to operate a casino.

“We were underestimated. I never considered our bid a dark horse. It’s a great development,” he said.
Trump and the Trump Organization won big at the table, too.

Bally’s will pay Trump’s firm $115 million as part of the deal to take over lease for the golf course and operate a casino there.