A Herculean $8 Billion Venture: The Metropolitan Park Casino Project Takes a Giant Leap Forward
New York City Council endorses construction of Hard Rock Casino and Hotel project
The New York City Council has given a resounding YES to the Metropolitan Park casino project proposed by Hard Rock International and Mets owner Steve Cohen. 41 out of 43 council members played along in approving this staggering $8 billion project to be established on the parking lot of the Citi Field Stadium in Queens.
This ambitious project encompasses a Hard Rock Hotel, an entertainment complex, and a sprawling 25-hectare park. However, despite the council's endorsement, additional approvals on the state level are still crucial.
The next significant hurdle is the granting of one of the three highly sought-after casino licenses by the New York Gaming Commission. Given the fierce competition among developers, including major players like Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands, the Commission's decision is eagerly anticipated by the end of the year.
Gaining Popular Momentum in Queens
The project receives broad support, especially in Queens, with up to 80% of residents voicing their approval. The enthusiasm stems from the creation of 23,000 unionized jobs, significant investments in infrastructure, and planned upgrades to the Mets-Willets Point subway station.
"This project extends far beyond just constructing a sports and entertainment complex. It's about supplying meaningful job opportunities, investing in our community, and propelling our local economy to heights never witnessed before."-Francisco Moya*, Council Member [Yogonet]
On the flip side, critics voice concerns about the potential economic viability of two casinos within Queens due to the competition from the existing Resorts World New York City. They express doubts that both casinos could sustain themselves in the long run if they simultaneously operate.
Staunch Opposition on the State Level
Since the land is officially designated as parkland, the state legislature must pass a legal amendment to allow construction on the city-owned land. While some local legislators support the project, opponents fiercely oppose the introduction of a law to alienate parkland [Queens Daily Eagle].
Despite these obstacles, New York City is witnessing a massive expansion of its gambling industry. The city aims to generate additional revenues, thrusting New York into the forefront of the growing US casino competition.
Yet, the project must secure a two-thirds majority in a local advisory board and overcome the final hurdles to become one of the largest casino and entertainment resorts in the nation.
As of April 30, 2025, a state Senate committee has approved parkland alienation legislation, a critical step toward enabling construction on city-owned land.
- What benefits does the Metropolitan Park casino project promise for the local community? Francisco Moya, Council Member, believes it supplies meaningful job opportunities, invests in the community, and propels the local economy to unprecedented heights.
- The Metropolitan Park casino project is a substantial $8 billion venture, encompassing a Hard Rock Hotel, an entertainment complex, and a 25-hectare park.
- In order for the project to be realized, the New York Gaming Commission must grant one of the three highly sought-after casino licenses, with tough competition from developers like Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands.
- Despite the enthusiasm in Queens, critics have expressed concerns about the potential economic viability of two casinos in the borough due to the competition from the existing Resorts World New York City.
- The project's ambitions face another obstacle: the state legislature must pass a legal amendment to allow construction on the city-owned land, which is currently classified as parkland.
- As of April 30, 2025, a state Senate committee has approved parkland alienation legislation, a critical step toward enabling construction on city-owned land for the Metropolitan Park casino project. This moving forward is part of New York City's efforts to jumpstart its expanding gambling industry, positioning the city at the forefront of the growing US casino competition. Despite the hurdles, the project now awaits final approval to become one of the largest casino and entertainment resorts in the nation.
