The New York State Gaming Commission has unanimously approved licenses for three new casinos in New York City. The decision paves the way for Bally’s in the Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, and Resorts World near the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens to begin development. 

According to Gaming Commission Chairman Bryan O’Dwyer, the licensing fees are expected to generate $1.5 billion for the state.

The Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, a significant part of the approved projects, is a partnership between Hard Rock International and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. The $8.1 billion project will transform 50 acres of parking lots around Citi Field into a large-scale entertainment and gaming complex.

The complex will feature a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a Hard Rock Live concert center, multiple restaurants and bars, a retail store, and a 25-acre public park. Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International, expressed excitement about extending their reputation as a world-class entertainment company to Queens.

Michigan won its second national championship in men’s college basketball, defeating Connecticut 69-63 on Monday in Indianapolis in the title game.

After a 31-3 regular season, the Wolverines were dominant during their tournament run, winning each of their first five games by double digits. Michigan’s average margin of victory in the NCAA Tournament before Monday was 21.6 points.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” Wolverines head coach Dusty May said during the trophy presentation. “These guys have done it all year.”

The Wolverines proved to be too physical for the Huskies in the championship matchup. Michigan shot 28 free throws, compared with only 16 for Connecticut. The Wolverines also dominated inside, outscoring the Huskies in the paint 36 to 22.

Junior guard Elliot Cadeau led Michigan with 19 points. Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg had 13, while sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. added 12. Though UConn cut the deficit to as little as four in the final minute, the Wolverines largely controlled the action, leading for 75% of the game.

Clay Holmes and Tobias Myers combined on a three-hitter and the New  York Mets beat the San Francisco Giants 9-0 on Saturday night.

Holmes (2-0) matched his career high with seven innings and allowed only one runner past first base. The right-hander gave up three hits and had four strikeouts with two walks.

Myers retired the final six batters in order for the Mets’ first shutout of the season.

Mark Vientos had three hits, and Tyrone Taylor hit a pinch three-run homer and drove in four runs. Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette and Brett Baty each had two hits.