But Bloomberg reported Monday that Resorts World may now request a revision of those terms, seeking to either reduce its proposed rates or compel regulators to raise competitors’ rates to level the playing field.
Robert DaSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, which operates Resorts World, highlighted the site’s readiness and economic benefits: “It’s more money for the education system, the MTA, so it really does serve a lot of purposes.” The casino claims it could launch full table game operations as soon as March 30 if granted a license.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Park has navigated a legal challenge that threatened to derail its bid. On November 12, the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) filed suit against New York City, alleging that its lease agreement, covering the parkland adjacent to Citi Field used for the US Open, was being breached by the city’s backing of the casino proposal without USTA input.
The suit pointed to a “superiority clause” in the lease that grants the USTA exclusive rights during the tournament, including parking, concessions, and protection from competing events.
In response, a Manhattan Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order last week, blocking the city from finalizing a new pre-development agreement with the casino developers. However, by Monday, Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett confirmed that an agreement had been signed in compliance with the court order.
“We have successfully signed our pre-development agreement with the city,” Rickett said. “This moves forward Metropolitan Park as a comprehensive transformation of the area that embraces the existing sports attractions to create a world-class sports and entertainment destination in the heart of Queens.”
A USTA spokesperson, in a statement to NY1, added: “We are thankful that the court honored our request and that the City has complied by adding the required language to its lease... which now acknowledges protections during the three weeks of the US Open.”
The third contender, Bally’s, has offered less aggressive financial terms but remains in contention. With previous casino giants like MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands having exited the race, the remaining three bids face high expectations from the state, which is counting on substantial casino revenue, at least $1.8 billion, for infrastructure and budgetary needs.
In a similar process in 2015, only three of four recommended licenses were initially granted.
Dingnews.com 18/11/2025