The New York State Gaming Commission is looking to award a commercial casino license to three applicants in downstate New York. Last week, two groups seeking approval of their submissions in Queens revealed new models of their projects. Thus, trying to gain much-needed community support.
The first proposal belongs to Resorts World New York City, which already operates as a casino. However, the owner, Genting Group, wants to expand the gaming facility by adding live table games.
The second one is titled Metropolitan Park, and it would be a brand-new casino and entertainment centre at Citi Field’s parking lot. It was submitted by the New York Mets’ billionaire owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock.
Revealing New Models of the Casino Bids
It should be mentioned that the two sides have already shared some outlines and plans for their casino bids. But last week, they both released new renderings of their multi-billion-dollar projects. This could be their final push to gain more public backing and potentially land one of the commercial gaming licenses.
Located in South Queens, Resorts World NYC displayed its experiential centre, which featured two models and several video walls showcasing the US$5 billion project. If approved by the Empire State, their project would feature an expanded casino, a live performance stadium, a conference centre, and hotels.
In the meantime, Cohen and Hard Rock also released a look at what their US$8 billion proposal would like. In the rendering, the project showcased a casino, hotels, a live music facility, a food hall, parking space, and infrastructure changes. The display can be seen in Citi Field and will stay open for public viewing until the start of the new baseball season.
Competition is Fierce
This was not the first attempt by the two parties to win over the public and build a case in support of their proposals. They have already met with local lawmakers, residents, and community groups. Besides facing each other, they also face competition from many other corporations who have shared bids for projects of casinos in Times Square, Coney Island, Yonkers, Hudson Yards, and more.
However, the two Queens bids have a thing in common: they both would feature a casino as part of a larger entertainment complex. Cohen’s proposal would build new sports fields, construct a 25-acre park space, and fund a redesigned subway station. Meanwhile, Resorts Worlds NYC promises new parking space, 3,000 units of workforce housing, and a connection to a train station. These could play a major part in the state’s decision when awarding licenses.
Resort World NYC’s Bid Has Lawmaker Backing
In the presentation of the model, the developer behind Resorts Word NYC emphasised its community contributions over the years. The gaming facility has made various donations to local groups since it first kicked off operations in 2011.
The company is also on great terms with local officials, including State Senator and Senate Gaming Committee Chair Joe Addabbo, State Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, City Councilmember Nantasha Williams, and more. Addabbo himself has voiced his support for the expansion on numerous occasions.
This is what the Senior Vice President of Community Development and Public Affairs for Resorts World New York City, Michelle Stoddart, commented during the presentation:
“It's been our job, our mission, to ensure that as we build up ourselves, we do the same in the community in which we operate. We care about your civic, cultural, and educational groups because we are improving the very communities in which we live.”
Metropolitan Park also Touts Local Backing
Similarly, Metropolitan Park has also seen local support and has also held various visioning sessions before officially unveiling its proposal. It also touts support from a few local officials, community groups, and leaders. This also includes the Queens Chamber of Commerce, local transportation advocates, a few former city council members and the current Council member, Francisco Moya.
Karl Rickett, spokesperson for Metropolitan Park, shared this statement last week:
“From the beginning, Steve Cohen and Hard Rock have been committed to creating a community-driven vision to transform the 50 acres of asphalt around Citi Field. Over the last three years, they have engaged with both fans and the people who live and work in Queens with a promise to do this the right way every step of the way.”
However, Not Everyone’s Content
There has been plenty of support for the two casino bids. However, they have also faced opposition. This mostly applies to Metropolitan Park, as the project was denied approval to build on Citi Field’s parking lot by State Senator Jessica Ramos. Additionally, the project was also criticised by environmental groups and residents who don’t agree that a casino should be introduced in the area.
Meanwhile, Resorts World NYC’s proposed expansion has not faced such a reaction. There were some concerns about the gaming location’s launch over a decade ago. Some locals were worried that a casino in the neighbourhood might lead to an increase in crime, addictions, and similar issues.
NY Accepts Bids This June
In June 2025, the interested companies will be able to submit their official bids to the New York State Gaming Commission. Then, all projects will be assessed and reviewed by a local community advisory committee, consisting of a mayoral representative, a gubernatorial representative, a City Council representative, the local assemblymember, the local state senator and the borough president.
For projects to get the nod from their respective committees, they would need to have two-thirds of the group vote in favour of their plans. However, due to the designation of the land around Citi Field, Cohen and Hard Rock would also need additional permits from the state and the city.
Last but not least, the casino bids need to receive one of the three commercial casino licenses. Only then can they move forward and kick off the development of their respective projects. It remains to be seen which bids the state will approve.
