The Citi Field casino project in Queens, backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock, got unanimous approval from its Community Advisory Committee, moving it forward in New York’s downstate casino licensing race.
NYC casino license race narrows to four projects
The US$8 billion Metropolitan Park proposal includes a casino and a full entertainment complex, now joining three other projects advancing to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board: Genting’s Resorts World New York City, MGM’s Empire City, and Bally’s planned Bronx casino.
All of this comes as another project was turned down. The Community Advisory Committee for The Coney voted against the plan from Thor Equities, Saratoga, Legends Entertainment, and the Chickasaw, ensuring that it would not be allowed to move forward with the New York City licensing process.
A four-to-two rejection last week confirmed the committee’s assessment that the plan lacked sufficient support to proceed to the next stage of the process.
After Mohegan, Caesars, and Rush Street Gaming were all rejected by the respective committees, the Coney is the most recent downstate licensing application to be denied.
The state is expected to decide on the three licenses on December 1. Genting and MGM have been early leaders since they already have infrastructure in place, including existing racinos.
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