Unleashing the Gamut of Gambling: A New Lease on Life for Willets Point and Hudson Yards
By: Grant M. "MileMitch" Mitchell
Committee Approves Queens Casino Plan, Near Completion of Proposal Submission
May 4, 2025 IndustryPhoto by Flickr, CC by-NC-ND 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/)
Grant Mitchell, a distinguished sports betting journalist and former athlete, brings you an exclusive rundown of recent developments in the gaming industry. With a background in Virginia Tech, a stint as an NCAA track and field athlete, and a penchant for sports betting, Grant delivers cutting-edge insights industry insiders can't afford to miss.
Over the past few months, two colossal projects have garnered substantial attention: the Willets Point casino proposal and a potential casino in Hudson Yards. Read on to learn about their current status and the unique challenges each faces.
Willets Point: Stepping Stone to a Glamorous Gaming Destination
The Willets Point casino project, an ambitious $8 billion partnership between Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, is inching closer to reality. In a landmark 4–3 New York State Senate committee vote on May 1, the parkland alienation bill (sponsored by Sen. John Liu) cleared its first hurdle. This bill, if approved by the full Senate and Assembly, will allow the 50-acre parking lot near Citi Field to be transformed into a casino hotel, 25 acres of green space, and community amenities.
However, opposition remains. Sen. Jessica Ramos, the local district senator, has voiced her objections and refuses to sponsor the bill, casting doubts on its future passing. Despite these challenges, proponents of the project emphasize its potential for 23,000 union jobs and $1 billion in community benefits. Moreover, a legally binding $100 million commitment to enhance Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the inclusion of 450 units of affordable housing in Corona have further sweetened the deal for supporters.
Hudson Yards: A Casino Legacy?
Although no recent casino proposal for Hudson Yards appears in available sources, it's worth exploring the zoning challenges that Hudson Yards faced historically. Unlike the Willets Point project, Hudson Yards was a mixed-use redevelopment project, requiring extensive rezoning for commercial and residential use. Conversely, the Willets Point project's unique parkland designation necessitates the parkland alienation bill, creating a legislative barrier absent in typical commercial zoning approvals like those for Hudson Yards.
Whether the $8 billion Willets Point project comes to fruition or faces additional hurdles, one thing is clear: the gaming landscape of New York City is evolving at a rapid pace. Stay tuned for updates as this saga unfolds!
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Related News
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- Willets Point casino project faces opposition from local senator
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- MileMitch Mitchell, an acclaimed sports betting journalist and former athlete, provides a detailed overview of the latest happenings in the casino-and-gambling industry.
- The proposed Willets Point casino, a partnership between Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, is progressing with a New York State Senate committee vote on the parkland alienation bill.
- The passage of the parkland alienation bill, sponsored by Sen. John Liu, could transform a 50-acre parking lot near Citi Field into a casino hotel, green space, and community amenities, with the potential for 23,000 union jobs and $1 billion in community benefits.
- Despite the progress, local district senator Sen. Jessica Ramos and some opponents remain skeptical about the Willets Point casino project's future.
- Unlike the Willets Point project, the development of a casino in Hudson Yards would have faced different zoning challenges due to its mixed-use nature.
- In the world of online casino games like blackjack and sports betting, the casino culture of New York City is undergoing significant changes with the potential arrival of casinos in Willets Point and Hudson Yards.
- If the $8 billion Willets Point casino project proceeds successfully, it could potentially feature a progressive jackpot for players to win, similar to those found in online casinos.
