Bally’s may have scored vital points in its bid for a New York City casino by purchasing the Trump Golf Links lease. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Trump is out
Giant stone letters spelling out Trump’s ties will be erased from the New York City countryside, much to the delight of one New York City parks official.
Brad Lander, superintendent of the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, said he was pleased after Bally’s Corporation and the real estate arm of former President Donald Trump’s business empire agreed to a deal. Bally’s will purchase the Trump Golf Links lease at Ferry Point.
Lander said in a statement:
“I am pleased that Trump’s name will no longer tarnish the city’s parks.”
Lander’s office was involved in approving the deal in which the Trump Organization transferred its 10-year-plus lease of the Bronx golf course to Bally’s. He expressed his belief that the deal signals the end of the Trump Lynx name, while his office said it expected a smooth transition to the new owner.
Bali’s bets are big
In February, sources revealed that Bally’s had reached an agreement with the Trump Organization to acquire a lease for 17 of the 300-acre Trump Links. Instead, Bally’s took the entire property out of Trump’s hands, including the golf links.
Bally’s may now be a strong candidate for one of three New York casino licenses
The Rhode Island-based company has plans to develop a Bronx casino on the land, and has reportedly committed $2.5 billion to the project. The confirmed Trump Links deal means Bally’s could now be a strong candidate for one of three New York casino licenses to be announced in November.
It has been widely reported that Genting Group’s Resorts World New York City and Yonkers’ Empire City Casino in Queens have their New York casino licenses in the bag due to existing infrastructure downtown. Now Bally’s also has that existing infrastructure.
The deal also took Trump Links out of NYC Parks’ hands after a long legal battle initiated by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. He tried unsuccessfully to cancel the Trump Links lease after the 2021 Capitol riot.
Final stretch
While Bally’s may have gotten the underdog from other New York City casino bids for now, the final stretch could hold more surprises from competitors.
New York City casino bidders include Caesars Entertainment-SLG’s bid for Times Square, Wynn Resorts Related Companies’ bid for Hudson Yards, New York Mets owner Steven Cohen’s proposed site near Citi Park, the Soloviev Group’s Midtown East bid, and the Soloviev Group’s Coney Island bid. Thor Equities Group, and Saks Fifth Avenue Casino bid for East 49th and East 50th.y.
