Bally’s has been busy with the launch of the Bally Bet Sportsbook app in Ohio and the planned update of the Trump Links Golf Course in New York. Bally’s Interactive, digital and sports betting division, has partnered with the Cleveland Browns football team, while the overarching Bally’s Corporation will end the NYC course’s association with the indicted former President.
Bally Bet Sportsbook also has plans for an Ohio location with Cleveland entrepreneur, Bobby George, and Ethos Hospitality. The ‘reimagined’ sports bar will open in downtown Cleveland on East 4th Street, replacing Harry Buffalo.
New customers who register for the Bally Bet Sportsbook app during the opening weekend of NFL season will be entered for a chance to win two premium tickets to the next Cleveland Browns home game, as well as offered a “Second Chance Bet” of equal value up to $100, if a new customer’s first bet loses.
Haslam Sports Group EVP and COO Dave Jenkins, said, “We're excited to expand on our long-term partnership with Bally's Interactive and help them launch Bally Bet in Ohio, which will provide Browns fans and sports fans across the state with unique and interactive sports betting opportunities.”
In New York, Bally’s has taken its dream of a casino in the Bronx a step further with the lease of a public golf course. The transaction, which will allow the removal of the Trump name from the course, has been approved by the New York City Comptroller.
The price is undisclosed, but the contract is not set to expire until 2035. The deal is scheduled to close tomorrow and would rename the course to Bally’s Links.
Removing the large Trump name on a sign near the Whitestone Bridge is thought to improve the chances Bally’s has of winning a New York casino license. Following the January 6 attack on the Capitol, former Mayor Bill de Blasio also previously tried to have the name removed and terminate the Trump Organization’s lease, due to Trump’s participation in criminal activity.
City Comptroller Brad Lander said, “I am delighted that Trump’s name will no longer deface city parkland.”
Renaming the course does not guarantee that Bally’s will win one of the three casino licenses available, however, as at least 10 other serious bids have been made. The course is also located near an already-operating ‘racino’ in Yonkers, which is bidding to upgrade to a full casino license.
Bally’s has proposed to pay for a shuttle bus that would connect its new course to other local public transit options as well as businesses and shopping centers nearby. The company hopes this will help earn support from its surrounding community, a necessary part of the casino license application process.
