In a shocking turn of events, Mets owner Steve Cohen’s ambitious plans to bring a casino to Queens have hit a major roadblock. The billionaire hedge fund manager, who purchased the MLB team in 2020, had been working tirelessly to secure the necessary approvals and funding to build a state-of-the-art casino adjacent to Citi Field.
Cohen’s vision for the casino was to create a world-class entertainment destination that would not only generate significant revenue for the Mets organization, but also revitalize the surrounding neighborhood and create hundreds of jobs for local residents. However, his plans have been met with fierce opposition from community members, political leaders, and rival casino operators.
The latest setback came when the New York State Gaming Commission voted unanimously to reject Cohen’s application for a casino license. The commission cited concerns about the potential negative impact of the casino on the surrounding community, as well as questions about Cohen’s business practices and ethical standards.
In a statement following the decision, Cohen expressed his disappointment but vowed to continue fighting for his casino project. “I believe in the economic benefits that a casino could bring to Queens and to the Mets organization,” he said. “I will explore all legal options to appeal this decision and prove that our casino will be a positive force for the community.”
Despite Cohen’s determination, the future of the casino project remains uncertain. The rejection by the Gaming Commission is a major setback, and it is unclear whether Cohen will be able to overcome the opposition and secure the necessary approvals to move forward.
In the meantime, supporters of the casino project are left disappointed and frustrated. Many had hoped that the development of a casino in Queens would bring much-needed investment and development to the area, as well as create new opportunities for local residents. Now, those hopes have been dashed, at least for the time being.
As the saga of the casino continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Steve Cohen and the Mets organization to see how they will respond to this setback. Will they continue to fight for their casino dreams, or will they be forced to reconsider their plans? Only time will tell.
