President Trump Could Net $115 Million From NYC Casino License Race

If Bally’s Corporation gets permission to build a casino next to Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx, President Donald Trump could receive $115 million. This potential financial boost comes during New York’s competitive casino licensing process, in which multiple companies compete for a limited number of permits in one of America’s most valuable gaming markets.
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The Financial Arrangement
According to records, Bally’s paid the Trump Organization $60 million in 2023 for the operating rights to the public golf course. Legal documents examining President Trump’s financial disclosures revealed that the agreement included an additional $115 million payment to Trump dependent on if Bally’s acquires a casino license for the site.
Bally’s has proposed a major expansion for the Bronx location. The plans include a 500,000-square-foot casino, a 500-room hotel with spa and meeting facilities, retail spaces, a 2,000-seat event center, and parking structures for up to 4,660 vehicles. The company promotes the project as a potential economic catalyst for the region.
Strong Local Opposition
The proposal faces strong community opposition. The Bronx Community Board 10 voted 29 to 5 against the project in March because residents are concerned about rising crime rates, traffic congestion, and the loss of valuable parkland.
Bally promised $625 million in community benefits, but local stakeholders are still skeptical. The company is still holding public hearings to address concerns and outline potential benefits, such as job creation and economic revitalization.
Competitive License Process
The casino licensing process in New York City has attracted a number of major players. Caesars Palace, Saks Fifth Avenue’s owner, and plans for locations in Times Square and Coney Island are some of the rivals. The selection process is overseen by community advisory committees and the New York State Gaming Commission. Final licenses are anticipated to be granted by the end of the year, with each applicant outlining their anticipated community investments and economic impacts.
Bally’s application is more complicated because of its connection to President Trump. Regulatory consideration may be influenced by Trump’s status as the current president and his prior legal troubles, including claims of civil fraud. The Gaming Commission must assess all aspects of each proposal, including the affiliations of involved parties.
Presidential Financial Interest
President Trump sees the potential $115 million payment as a significant business transaction unrelated to his presidential duties. This payment would result in a substantial financial gain and validate the Trump Organization’s strategic partnership with Bally’s.
Donald Trump has no direct involvement in the casino application process. His financial interest originates merely from the contractual agreement with Bally’s, and they are entirely responsible for obtaining regulatory approval.
Ongoing Community Process
Bally’s presents its development vision at public forums as part of the approval process. The company emphasizes potential job creation and economic benefits, but many locals remain skeptical of the project’s viability. Community members are pointing to studies that show how casinos frequently fail to fulfill their economic promises and potentially creating new challenges for surrounding neighborhoods. The main concerns are still the effects on traffic, possible changes to the neighborhood’s character, and housing affordability.
The public and officials are still being contacted by Bally’s and community organizations as the license decision approaches. The New York State Gaming Commission must balance economic development goals with community concerns for all proposed casino sites.
The outcome of this process will be shaped by the interaction of corporate interests, community perspectives, and political considerations. For President Trump, the $115 million windfall is contingent on Bally’s navigating the complex regulatory and social landscape of New York City’s casino licensing system.