The owner of the New York Mets, Steve Cohen, has been approved to operate a casino that is next to Citi Field in Queens, New York. This is one of the three projects that the State Gaming Commission’s Facility Location Board has been working on in New York City that have been selected for gambling licenses.
Board Member, Greg Reimers, gave the following statement regarding the reasoning of the board: “The sizable population within a two-hour drive will support sustained visitation supplemented by domestic and international travelers,” they continue, “Each proposal presents a strong competitive positioning based on brand strength, amenities, and facility design.”
Steve Cohen was responsible for submitting a proposal for an $8 billion casino alongside their partner, Hard Rock International. He won his approval alongside the proposals submitted by Bally’s Corp and Genting Group’s Resorts World.
Cohen seems to be planning on building up a Metropolitan Park complex in Queens centered around his investments. The complex is expected to include a gaming facility, hotel, convention center, restaurants, and a live entertainment venue. With the approval for a casino to provide games of chance, Cohen seems to be building up quite the nightlife scene in Queens.
The construction of the project is expected to be finished by the end of 2030 and is estimated to create thousands of jobs, some permanent after the project is completed, and the majority being temporary for the construction process.
The approval of the casino by the community board has been met with some protests from citizens and the City Hall. The City Hall has said the decision has deprived New Yorkers living in Manhattan of the opportunity to gain more than 31,000 jobs.
