Late last week, New York Mets owner and hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen scored a huge victory ahead of the 2025 Major League Baseball season.
Cohen’s proposed $8 billion Hard Rock Casino complex is now one step closer to reality after the NYC Council approved a zoning change that will allow a casino resort to be built near the Citi Field ballpark.
Cohen and Hard Rock International have been in hot pursuit of one of the three highly-contested gaming licenses issued to downstate New York. Those who know how to play Texas Hold’em and Omaha eagerly await these developments as big tournament poker could soon be coming to New York City. The city would undoubtedly become one of the biggest poker hotbeds in the country overnight.
Cohen, who spent $1.86 million to 14 lobbying firms, more than any other organization in 2024, is looking to transform a 50-acre parking lot into a casino and a 25-acre public park. Shopping centers, restaurants, and bike paths will also be a part of the development.
“Metropolitan Park will deliver 25 acres of vibrant public park space, 23,000 well-paying union jobs, and much-needed transit upgrades,” Cohen said following the good news. “It’s time the world’s greatest borough gets the investment it deserves.”
NYC Councilman Francisco Moy added: “I’m proud to support this transformative project and help make it a reality for our district, for Queens, and for the entire city.
“This project is about more than building a sports and entertainment park. It’s about creating meaningful job opportunities with 100% union jobs, investing back into our community, and elevating our local economy to unprecedented heights.”
After several years, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board will finally decide which of the three bids will be awarded the gaming licenses. The winners will have to fork over $500 million each to the state of New York. Applications are due sometime in June.
There has also been a $12 billion proposal for a Wynn development at Hudson Yards, though there has been some major opposition by residents and the Manhattan Borough President. Their initial rezoning proposal was rejected, largely due to affordable housing concerns rather than the actual casino plans.
Bally’s is looking to build a casino in the Bronx next to the Bally’s golf course at Ferry Point. MGM is looking to upgrade the Empire City racino facility in Yonkers, while Resorts World New York City is looking to get a license to transform their existing location in Jamaica, Queens.
There are a total of 11 major proposals right now, and with the nearest live tournament poker in Atlantic City, it’s an exciting time for East Coast poker players. Get ready to brush up on your poker tournament strategy.