New York Senate Approves Bill To Boost Mets' Owner's Casino Hopes

The New York Senate voted 54-5 to let New York City alter the classification of 50 acres of car park around the Mets' Citi Field, clearing a roadblock for Mets' owner Steve Cohen to build a gambling establishment there.


Cohen is making an application for among 3 licenses readily available for business casinos.


- The Senate authorized legislation permitting parking lots to be reclassified around Citi Field after getting Assembly approval previously in May.
- The movement now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul's approval or veto.
- Cohen plans to build an $8 billion gambling establishment resort with Hard Rock International on the land, which will include a home entertainment district and park.


The land where Citi Field parking lots presently stand is classified as public parkland. Therefore, New York City should "push away" the parkland before a private task like the Citi Field gambling establishment task can proceed.


Senate Bill S7121A, which got approval from the Assembly and Senate, needs Cohen and Acid rock to develop a minimum of 20 acres into a public park.


Cohen and Acid rock International's proposition is to develop an $8 billion gambling establishment resort and home entertainment complex. The plans likewise include a proposition for a public park.


"After years of neighborhood engagement, countless discussions, and the management of our local elected officials, we are one step closer to changing these asphalt lots into something our neighbors can truly take pride in," Cohen said.


New york city online casinos are not legal, so land-based gambling establishments are the only method to bet. Currently, the only gambling establishments in New York are upstate.


Competition for New York casino licenses warms up


While this is a win for the Cohen-Hard Rock proposition, it's far from the only competitor.