Donald Trump could win $115 million if Bally's opens a casino in New York

Former and now U.S. President Donald Trump is once again at the center of financial intrigue. This time, it's not about elections or litigation, but about a possible $115 million payout he could receive from Bally's Corporation. It's all about a contract signed a few years ago that provides for additional remuneration for Trump if the company obtains a license to build a casino in New York.

The essence of the deal

In 2023, Bally's acquired Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point for $60 million. The deal contained a clause: if Bally's ever receives permission to build a casino on the territory, the Trump Organization will receive an additional payment of $115 million.

Now, when the New York authorities are considering applications for three new licenses for casinos, the chances of this scenario have increased. However, there is no guarantee - the competition is extremely high.

Who else claims

In addition to Bally's, major players in the gambling industry apply for licenses:

• Caesars offers to build a casino in the Times Square area.
• MGM Resorts is looking to expand and transform its existing Empire City casino.
• Genting Group plans to develop the Resorts World complex in Queens.
• The owner of the Mets baseball club, Steve Cohen, is also racing with the project near the team's stadium.

Against the backdrop of such a number of applications, no company can be sure of winning. The decision will depend on many factors - from social support and compliance with zoning to the political context.

Possible difficulties

A potential payout to Trump could play against Bally's. New York is known for its liberal views and Democratic majority, and any connection to Trump could cause a backlash. Although the deal is legally clean, political and public sentiment can affect the perception of the project.

In addition, the process of obtaining a license in New York remains extremely difficult: strict requirements for land use, pressure from local communities, and high levels of competition make it difficult to pass even the most well-prepared applications.

Conclusion

The deal between the Trump Organization and Bally's could turn out to be one of Donald Trump's most unexpected financial successes in recent years. However, the likelihood of receiving a payment remains questionable. The very fact of this story underscores how closely the gambling industry is intertwined with politics, business, and influence — and how a single line in a contract can turn into a nine-figure check under the right circumstances.