New York City Council green-lights development of Hard Rock Casino and Hotel project
Casino Clash in the City: New York's $8 Billion Gaming Spectacle
By Yannick Schroth, Edited by Angela Burke, Published on: 17.03.2025, Updated on: 24.04.2025.
Council Greenlights Epic Casino Project
The New York City Council's thumping 41 to 2 vote in favor has put the billion-dollar Metropolitan Park casino project by Hard Rock International and Mets owner Steve Cohen on the fast track. Scheduled to rise on the parking lot of the Citi Field Stadium in Queens, this mega-development will feature a casino, a Hard Rock Hotel, an entertainment complex, and a sprawling 25-hectare public park.
To move forward, however, the project needs approval on the state level, with the awarding of a coveted casino license by the New York Gaming Commission being the next crucial step. In the competitive arena, industry titans like Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands are among the many rivals vying for a piece of the action.
Queens' Casino Rush: Jobs, Infrastructure, and Public Transport
Residents of Queens have shown broad support for the project, with upwards of 80% favoring the development, as polls indicate. The major incentives fueling this backing are the creation of 23,000 unionized jobs, sizeable infrastructure investments, and planned enhancements for public transportation, like the modernization of the Mets-Willets Point subway station.
"This project isn't just about a sports and entertainment park. It's about creating meaningful work opportunities, reinvesting in our community, and propelling our economy to unprecedented heights."-Francisco Moya*, Council Member
Despite the widespread backing, concerns have been voiced about the potential economic sustainability of two casinos in Queens, given Resorts World's simultaneous pursuit of a license.
State-Bound Hurdles: It's Parkland vs. Profit
As the land is formally designated as parkland, the state legislature must pass a legislative change to permit the construction. While some lawmakers endorse the project, others vehemently oppose the introduction of such legislation that would allow the conversion of parkland.
New York's Casino Craze: The Driving Forces
New York is currently engulfed in a massive expansion of its gaming sector. With possible licenses up for grabs, the state is aiming to energize the local economy, generate employment, and revitalize urban areas. Investors and operators are clamoring for billion-dollar projects that could revolutionize the cityscape. But what's propelling New York's casino rush?
- Boosting the Treasury: The state anticipates substantial additional revenues from new casinos, which will be allocated towards infrastructure, education, and social projects.
- Ramping Up Competition: Neighboring states like New Jersey are making waves by liberalizing their gambling regulations and drawing players from New York. To prevent colossal funds escaping to other states, New York wishes to focus on its home-grown casino destinations.
- Economic Stimulus: Casino operators will be required to work with regional suppliers and service providers, as per planned bidding rules.
- Labor Market and Urban Savvy: The proposed mega-projects could engender thousands of new jobs, both in the construction phase and in operation. Moreover, plans include infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of nearby transportation routes and public areas.
Provided the project surmounts the final hurdles, it could become one of the country's largest casino and entertainment resorts.
- What about the finances? The Metropolitan Park casino project, expected to cost $8 billion, requires approval from the state level, including a casino license from the New York Gaming Commission.
- The upcoming casino-and-gambling mega-development by Hard Rock International and Steve Cohen, scheduled to be built at the Citi Field Stadium's parking lot, will include a casino, a Hard Rock Hotel, an entertainment complex, and a 25-hectare public park.
- As supporters of the project claim, it could potentially create sustainable jobs, improve infrastructure, and stimulate the local economy, as incentives that fuel the broad support from Queens residents.
- Just like other rivals in the casino industry, Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands are among the many competitors hoping to secure a piece of the action in New York.
- The technology sector may play a crucial role in the projected revitalization of the cityscape, as casino operators will be required to work with regional suppliers and service providers, boosting the local economy and fostering innovation.
- Given the heightened competition and the ongoing transition of the casino culture, it's safe to say that the sustainable lifestyle of Queens residents—and New Yorkers—is about to change, with the casino games and casino-culture expanding beyond the traditional hotspots to the heart of the city.
