Skip to content

SNL Mocks Bronx Casino Approval as Bally’s $4B Project Sparks Debate

A $4B casino in the Bronx just got the green light—but will it bring jobs or chaos? Even *SNL* couldn’t resist poking fun at the risks.

This image is clicked in the city. At the bottom, there is a road, on which there are cars. To the...
This image is clicked in the city. At the bottom, there is a road, on which there are cars. To the left and right, there are buildings and skyscrapers. At the top, there is a sky.

SNL Mocks Bronx Casino Approval as Bally’s $4B Project Sparks Debate

SNL Weekend Update Pokes Fun at New York City Casino Approval for the Bronx

Saturday Night Live didn't miss an opportunity to weigh in on the three downstate casino licenses recently approved, including the Bally’s Bronx development.

A controversial casino project in the Bronx has moved a step closer to reality after receiving a key recommendation. The Bally’s Bronx development, valued at $4 billion, has sparked both economic hopes and safety concerns. Comedian Michael Che even weighed in, joking about the risks of visiting the Bronx Zoo area.

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board recently backed Bally’s Bronx for a casino license. The proposal, first submitted in 2023, includes a 500-room hotel, a 2,000-capacity event center, and parking for nearly 5,000 vehicles. Inside, plans call for 3,500 slot machines, 250 table games, and a sportsbook.

With the license recommendation secured, Bally’s Bronx now awaits final approval. If built, the casino will become one of the largest entertainment complexes in the city. Its impact on local crime and employment will be closely watched in the coming years.

Read also: