The developers behind two competing casino projects in Queens, Resorts World New York City and Metropolitan Park, have launched public engagement campaigns showcasing their proposals, as they vie for one of three coveted downstate casino licenses set to be awarded by the end of 2025.
Resorts World, which operates a “racino” in South Queens, has unveiled an “experiential center” in Ozone Park, featuring models and video walls illustrating its proposed $5 billion expansion that includes a full-scale casino, a live music stadium, a conference center, and hotels.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Park, backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock, has introduced a “360 room” at Citi Field, where visitors can view immersive renderings of its proposed $8 billion casino and entertainment complex. The project also includes a food hall, new park space, and infrastructure upgrades, with the full display set to open in spring.
The two Queens-based projects are among more than a dozen proposals competing for three available casino licenses in the New York City area. Other bids include plans for Times Square, Coney Island, Hudson Yards, and Yonkers. Formal applications are due by June 2025.
Both developers claim their projects will capture tourism spending in Queens rather than losing visitors to Manhattan. Their locations near major airports—JFK for Resorts World and LaGuardia for Metropolitan Park—are being promoted as strategic advantages.
Metropolitan Park’s proposal includes 25 acres of park space, a redesigned subway station, and new sports fields, while Resorts World’s plan features a train station connection and 3,000 workforce housing units—though the housing component depends on securing both a casino license and state approval to build on Aqueduct Racetrack land.
Both projects have secured political endorsements. Resorts World has the backing of State Senator Joe Addabbo, Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
“It’s been our mission to ensure that as we build up ourselves, we do the same in the community in which we operate,” said Michelle Stoddart, Resorts World’s VP of Community Development.
Metropolitan Park has drawn support from the Queens Chamber of Commerce, local transportation advocates, and City Councilmember Francisco Moya.
“Steve Cohen and Hard Rock have been committed to creating a community-driven vision… engaging with both fans and Queens residents over the last three years,” said Karl Rickett, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Park.
Metropolitan Park’s site on the Citi Field parking lot is city-owned land designated as parkland, meaning Cohen and Hard Rock must secure additional approvals from the state and city. The project has faced opposition from environmental advocates and State Senator Jessica Ramos, who previously blocked an attempt to build on the site.
Resorts World, which opened over a decade ago, initially faced pushback from locals concerned about crime and gambling addiction.
Both proposals must pass a local community advisory committee review, requiring support from two-thirds of the committee’s members, which include representatives from the mayor’s office, governor’s office, City Council, state legislature, and borough president.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/03/93945-new-york-queens-casino-bidders-unveil-public-displays-as-competition-heats-up
