Mets owner Steve Cohen, Hard Rock International Team Up For Citi Field Casino

A sophisticated new gambling facility is coming to New York, featuring top sportsbooks in Metropolitan Park, the lively entertainment district linked to Citi Field, where the New York Mets play.

There have been rumors for a while that Mets owner Steve Cohen is looking to build a luxury casino on a 50-acre parking lot in Queens, right next to the team’s stadium.

Cohen has chosen Hard Rock International to collaborate on revitalizing the area around the ballpark and enhance the sports betting scene in New York.

“It is long overdue that the world’s most magnificent city receives the sports and entertainment park it has always deserved. Since acquiring this team, fans and the community have been vocal about the need for improvement,” Cohen expressed in a press statement. “Metropolitan Park fulfills the commitment of providing a communal space that will not only attract and delight visitors but also instill a sense of pride in the community.”

Spectrum Gaming estimates that a Queens casino could generate $1.9 billion in annual revenue, in addition to the profits from New York sports betting apps.

What can we expect from the development plan?

Metropolitan Park is set to become New York’s newest upscale entertainment hub. With an expected $8 billion investment in the 50-acre property, plans include a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, as well as a vibrant entertainment district featuring restaurants, bars, and a live music venue.

According to a spokesperson for Cohen, the plans will include a park space with 20 acres of green space and access to Flushing Bay. Additionally, new athletic fields, a renovated mass-transit station, and a “Queens food hall” will be part of the design.

The press release stated that the project’s design, which is focused on Queens, effectively addresses community priorities, climate resilience, and economic needs.

Thomas J. Grech, President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, recognized the potential of having a centralized entertainment district.

“Queens has needed a place that combines various elements for a long time – such as new green spaces, year-round entertainment, improved connectivity, and job opportunities near Citi Field. No other project has made such an effort to collaborate with the community. This grassroots approach ensures that everyone has a say from the start, and that is what makes it successful,” stated Grech.

Hard Rock on a roll?

Hard Rock had a successful day on Tuesday, being named the casino partner for Cohen’s Queens entertainment district and successfully launching its mobile Hard Rock Bet brand in the competitive Florida sports betting market.

The Seminoles, owners of the Hard Rock bet brand, recently revealed plans to launch in-person sports betting at their retail casinos in Florida beginning on December 7th.

Hard Rock International currently dominates the gambling scene in Florida, but its expansion in the state has been hindered by ongoing legal battles challenging the legality of the Seminoles’ agreement with the state.

The Seminoles and Hard Rock International have successfully navigated legal challenges to launch mobile sports betting in Florida. With recent developments in New York and their strategic moves in Florida, Hard Rock Bet and the Seminole Tribe are poised for a significant financial gain.