Queens, NY – September 2025. The battle for three coveted downstate casino licenses in New York reached a turning point this week as the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) gave unanimous approval to the Metropolitan Park project at Citi Field.
The $8 billion plan, led by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen in partnership with Hard Rock International, envisions a resort-style casino, hotel, and entertainment district that would transform Willets Point.
The endorsement comes as another Queens contender, Resorts World New York City in Jamaica, secured its own CAC approval earlier this monthqns.com. Resorts World, which already operates a video lottery terminal (VLT) facility at Aqueduct Racetrack, is seeking to convert into a full-fledged casino, adding table games, expanded dining, and a luxury hotel.
With both projects now cleared locally, the competition in Queens has intensified. On one side, Cohen and Hard Rock tout the economic potential of Metropolitan Park, promising tens of thousands of jobs, affordable housing, and green space alongside the casino. On the other, Resorts World argues it has a proven track record, contributing billions in tax revenue since opening in 2011 and already employing thousands of Queens residents.
The CAC votes are critical procedural steps under New York’s 2022 gaming expansion law. No license application can advance without community approval, and with the CAC green lights in place, both Queens projects are officially in the running before the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board.
Queens’ double approval underscores the borough’s role as ground zero in the casino race. While Manhattan proposals have faltered under community pushback, and Bronx or Staten Island bids remain uncertain, Queens has emerged as the frontrunner. Industry analysts expect Resorts World’s incumbency and established infrastructure to carry weight, but Cohen’s political clout and Hard Rock’s branding could tip the scales.
For now, Queens finds itself with two heavyweight contenders, both endorsed by their communities. As one industry insider put it: “The license may ultimately be decided in Albany, but the real fight is in Queens.”
