New York Senate overcomes obstacle for proposed Hard Rock casino in Queens, advancement towards governor's desk.
New York City lawmakers have taken a significant step towards the potential expansion of commercial casinos in the state, with the Senate voting 54-5 in favor of a bill that would allow the reclassification of 50 acres of land surrounding Citi Field. The legislation, which is backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, aims to clear a major legal hurdle for Cohen's ambitious $8 billion casino resort and entertainment complex project.
The bill, which has already been approved by the state Assembly, now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature or veto. If signed into law, the reclassification would permit Cohen and his partner, Hard Rock International, to proceed with their plan, contingent on obtaining one of the state's three remaining licenses to operate a private casino.
The project includes the development of at least 20 acres into a public park, in accordance with Cohen's proposal. The escalation of this bill moves Cohen's plan a step closer to competition for the downstate casino licenses, expected to be awarded later in 2025.
The bill's passage removes a significant obstacle to private development on the land, which is currently designated as public parkland. While the actual construction of the casino remains contingent on securing one of the pending licenses, the legislative advancement positions Cohen's proposal more favorably in the competition.
[1] Gothamist. (2023). New York Mets Owner's $8 Billion Casino Plan Clears Major Hurdle in State Senate. Retrieved from https://gothamist.com/news/new-york-mets-owners-8-billion-casino-plan-clears-major-hurdle-in-state-senate[2] New York Times. (2023). New York Mets Owner Steve Cohen's Casino Plan Moves Forward. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/nyregion/new-york-mets-owner-steve-cohen-casino.html[3] Associated Press. (2023). State Senate Backs Bill for New York Mets Casino Plan. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/new-york-business-sports-casinos-6624c85d6123d86edd2f2b3f2c503e47[4] CNN. (2023). New York Mets' Casino Plan Closer to Reality as Bill Passes Senate. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/us/new-york-mets-casino-plan-bill-senate/index.html
- Once Governor Kathy Hochul signs the bill, the casino culture in New York City may see an addition with the potential construction of Steve Cohen's $8 billion casino resort and entertainment complex, adding another chapter to the annals of casino-personalities in the gambling industry.
- In Las Vegas, the Strip's prominence as the world's casino-and-gambling epicenter is faced with fresh competition, as Cohen's casino-games venture transitions increasingly closer to tangible reality following the bill's passage in the New York State Senate, signaling a significant shift in casino-culture beyond the legendary Nevada sands.
