ALBANY – They’re going all in.
The state Meeting authorised a measure Tuesday clearing the way in which for millionaire Mets proprietor Steve Cohen’s bid to construct a on line casino adjoining Citi Subject in Queens.
The 138 to 7 vote is the newest signal that Cohen’s once-stalled on line casino guess might have renewed life in Albany.
“This is the opportunity to bring real investment to our local economy, having the bold vision of turning 50 acres of asphalt into an entity that delivers real benefits.” Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Queen), the invoice’s sponsor mentioned earlier than voting.
“This about giving something back to residents that’s given more than they’ve received,” Hooks mentioned.
The realm Cohen is eying for the undertaking is presently designated as parkland, requiring state laws earlier than the undertaking can obtain native metropolis approvals.
The actual fireworks over the invoice are anticipated within the higher chamber of the state Legislature, the place state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), who reps a majority of the land for the proposed on line casino, has thus far used her sway over the native concern to dam the measure.
Earlier this yr, state Sen. John Liu (D-Queens), who additionally represents a sliver of the proposed on line casino website, launched the laws which has additionally began transferring by committees forward of a probable vote within the higher chamber.
Ramos herself has admitted that she could also be unable to dam Cohen’s multi-million greenback lobbying and affect effort over the on line casino.
Cohen goes all-in on the similar time different new on line casino builders are folding or pumping the breaks on tasks.
Final month, Las Vegas Sands introduced it was pulling its $4 billion bid for a on line casino close to the Nassau Coliseum.
The Soloviev Group, which is partnering with Mohegan to attempt to construct a on line casino adjoining Freedom Plaza in Midtown, Manhattan, lately introduced it’s providing inventory choices to native residents to attempt to get locals on board with the undertaking.
In a press release, the group mentioned it was setting apart as much as 12% of its inventory choices for NYC residents.
