Published on: August 18, 2025, 11:41h.
Updated on: August 18, 2025, 11:50h.
- State senator claims Cohen/Hard Rock proposal has a strong chance of receiving approval
- Project is considered a top contender for one of the three downstate permits
- Politician is against casinos in Manhattan
A proposal from Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International to establish a casino hotel in Queens is believed to have a viable opportunity to secure one of the three downstate casino licenses available in New York.
This assessment comes from State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D), who expressed his thoughts in a recent interview with CBS News New York’s “The Point with Marcia Kramer.” He noted that the Queens casino initiative, supported by Mets owner Cohen, possesses “a very good shot” at obtaining a license.
This $8 billion initiative, referred to as Metropolitan Park, would create an expansive entertainment center featuring dining areas, entertainment spaces, landscaped parks, and a gaming facility. The Cohen/Hard Rock proposal includes 25 acres designated for public use, comprising five acres of sports fields, restaurants, a live music venue, improved bike access and roadways, along with a $163 million community impact fund.
Hoylman-Sigal’s remarks about the Queens casino project aren’t necessarily a full endorsement, as he stands against expanding gaming in New York due to concerns that these establishments may adversely affect their communities.
Hoylman-Sigal Remains Opposed to Manhattan Casino
One reason Hoylman-Sigal seems cautiously positive about the Cohen/Hard Rock Queens initiative is his strong opposition to any casino being established in Manhattan—the borough where he is the Democratic nominee for borough president.
“If you’re in favor of a casino in Manhattan, then don’t vote for Brad Hoylman-Sigal,” he stated during the CBS interview. “Placing a casino in the middle of a neighborhood exacerbates quality of life issues. Crime, traffic, addiction—all of these social dilemmas are fueled by casinos.”
This aligns with his earlier statements; in past discussions, he mentioned that no constituents he has met during his campaign support a Manhattan casino. In the CBS interview, he expressed that casinos represent “short-term” solutions for financially struggling New York.
“The societal problems associated with casinos are well-documented and have significant impacts on local finances,” he added. “However, if a community actively supports a casino in another borough, I respect that. I believe the project at Citi Field has substantial potential, especially since we revised a law in Albany to facilitate that casino moving forward.”
Queens Casino Could Benefit from Positive Trends
Eight entities have submitted proposals for the three downstate licenses, and given the resistance to casinos in Manhattan, there’s a rising belief that the Hard Rock proposal could secure one of the licenses, suggesting that Queens may host two gaming venues.
There is strong speculation that MGM Resorts International’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Resorts World New York in Queens are likely the leading contenders for two of the licenses, leaving the remaining six applicants contending for just one.
New York regulators are anticipated to announce the downstate licenses by the conclusion of this year.