Adams’ Veto Keeps Bally’s Casino in the Race

Bally’s casino proposal at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx appears to be back on track, with the New York City Council unlikely to challenge Mayor Eric Adams’ recent veto. The mayor’s move reversed the Council’s earlier rejection of a key land use decision, a critical hurdle Bally’s needed to clear to stay eligible for one of the state’s limited downstate casino licenses. While some Council members have voiced opposition, there doesn’t seem to be enough time — or political momentum — to push for an override.

Good to know

• Adams’ veto reversed a land use denial tied to Bally’s Bronx casino bid.
• Council Democrats privately agreed they lack time and support for an override.
• Bally’s remains in the running for one of three state-issued casino licenses.

Sources familiar with internal Council discussions said members reached a consensus in a recent closed-door meeting: an override effort would be unlikely to succeed before the legal deadline early next week. The challenge was both procedural and political. Many lawmakers are away for the summer, and few want to engage in a high-profile showdown over a project the state ultimately controls.

Bally’s Bronx Casino Bid Clears Major Hurdle As Veto Likely Stands

Mayor Adams has defended the decision, arguing that it keeps Bally’s in contention during the state’s selection process for three new downstate licenses. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the mayor’s ties to two political advisers who have reportedly worked with Bally’s in the past.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has not made a public statement on the matter, though her spokesperson, Benjamin Fang-Estrada, criticized the mayor’s move as a solo decision, noting that “any lobbying for casino bidders was his decision.”

Publicly, the Council had previously rejected the permit, and some members criticized the veto. But behind the scenes, sources confirmed there’s little appetite to challenge it, especially given that the final authority lies with state regulators — not the City Council.

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