The Senate and now the Assembly have both signed off on the casino project
A major step forward has been made in the effort to bring a casino to the area surrounding Citi Field. Yesterday, the New York State Assembly passed a bill by a wide margin—138 to 7—that supports Mets owner Steve Cohen’s push to build a casino next to the Queens ballpark.
This legislative move breathes new life into a project that had been stalled. The proposed casino would sit on 50 acres of land currently designated as parkland. Because of that designation, the plan can’t proceed without a change in state law, which this new Assembly vote now helps move along.
Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, who sponsored the bill, described the initiative as a way to bring meaningful investment to a space that has been underused for years. She emphasized that the project aims to return benefits to a community that has long supported the area but has seen little in return.
Despite the vote, challenges remain. The bill must now go through the State Senate, where Senator Jessica Ramos has so far resisted the effort. Representing most of the land involved in the proposal, Ramos has used her position to delay progress. However, even she has acknowledged that Cohen’s significant lobbying efforts might be too strong to stop entirely.
The push for a Queens casino stands out, especially as other casino developers scale back. Las Vegas Sands recently backed out of a major plan near Nassau Coliseum, and the Soloviev Group is trying new strategies—like offering stock options to residents—to gather support for a Manhattan project.
Cohen’s proposal continues to gain traction, backed by money, influence, and now the support of the Assembly. If the State Senate follows suit, Queens could become the next major player in New York’s growing casino landscape.
