Gaming License Approval For Bally’s Bronx Project

Golf and gambling are two things that many people view as synonymous with each other. Earlier this week, those two things became closer to becoming reality in the Bronx as the New York Gaming Commission awarded a gaming license to Bally’s to build a casino-hotel at the Golf Links at Ferry Point.

With the approval of the gaming license, Bally’s plans on building a $4 billion gaming and hospitality complex on the southern end of the Golf Links at Ferry Point. Bally’s took over the golf course once owned by President Trump’s company in 2023, where they renamed it and rebranded the property.

Planned Casino And Hotel Features

The casino that Ballys plans to build is slated to include 3,500 slot machines, 210 table games and 40 poker tables. There will also be a 500-room hotel, restaurants, retail shops, spa and a nightclub. The project will take years to complete and is currently projected to be completed in 2030.

“At the junction of the structure’s three wings is a curvilinear sky bridge topped with an expansive landscaped terrace, and additional green roofs are shown covering the rest of the stepped setbacks,” New York YIMBY reported this summer. “Winding walkways and a redesigned vehicular entrance on the northern end of the property are also visible.”

Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point

The Golf Links At Ferry Point Course

The Golf Links at Ferry Point, known for its views of the New York City skyline sits in the shadow of the Whitestone Bridge. The Nicklaus designed course has rolling terrain and fairways that are lined by fescue, giving it a unique links feel for the New York City area.

The golf course has had multiple owners in its history. The project was ok’d in 2000 and was supposed to be opened three years later in 2003. Multiple environmental issues and lingering budget problems plagued its development. In 2012, after years of struggles, the city awarded a 20-year lease to the Trump Organization. Finally, in 2015, the golf course opened to the public.

Ownership Changes And Recent History

In early 2021, after the January 6th insurrection, Mayor Bill DeBlasio, tried to terminate the Trump Organization’s contract after outcry by New Yorkers. A judge later overruled the decision and the property was returned to the Trump Organization. In 2023, Bally’s agreed to pay $60 million to take over the lease of the property through 2035. In January of 2024, Ballys renamed the property to the Golf Links at Ferry Point.

2015 Hank's Yanks Golf Classic

Tournament History And Future Potential

The course is best known for the Ladies European Tour event that was hosted there as part of the Aramco Team Series. The event was won by Lexi Thompson in 2022, that win ended a three-year drought for her. No other professional golf events from major tours have been held there, maybe this new development will change that.