Casino Bidders Eye New Opportunities in New York City
In a significant move within the ever-competitive New York City landscape, casino bidders, including notable figures like Mets owner Steve Cohen, are stepping up their efforts to secure one of the highly coveted casino licenses being offered in the region. With an impressive sum of $138 million reportedly spent on lobbying efforts in the previous year alone, these bidders are demonstrating their commitment to establishing new gaming facilities that they believe will enhance the local economy.
The trend is clear: six out of the ten largest spenders on lobbying in New York City were associated with the casino industry, reflecting a growing ambition to influence city politics and secure support from key decision-makers, including Mayor Eric Adams and other local officials. The total amount spent on lobbying marks a noticeable increase from the previous year, underscoring the competitive nature of this push.
John Kaehny, the executive director of the government watchdog group Reinvent Albany, remarked that this extraordinary level of spending has effectively turned lobbying into a “full employment act” for those in the industry—a reflection of the high stakes involved in this endeavor. For many of these bidders, the path to success involves not only raising public awareness but also strategically courting political allies who can facilitate their projects.
Blair Horner from the New York Public Interest Research Group pointed out that the aggressive lobbying strategy employed by these casino interests may give them an unfair advantage. It’s apparent that they are intent on creating opportunities to secure favorable contracts and political support.
Cohen’s vision for a Metropolitan Park casino complex near Citi Field is one of the more ambitious proposals in the mix. In partnership with Seminole Hard Rock, Cohen’s team has reportedly allocated over $2 million towards lobbying in pursuit of this project. His extensive background as a successful hedge fund manager has provided him with the resources to navigate the intricacies of New York City politics, significantly increasing the likelihood of his plans coming to fruition.
It’s worth noting that Cohen is not alone in this ambitious race. Other major players are also vying for licenses. For instance, Resorts World, operating near the Aqueduct Racetrack, has invested nearly $1 million to lobby for approval to offer live table games. Likewise, Bally’s is pursuing a site adjacent to the former Trump Ferry Point golf course, while a consortium is aiming to build a “Freedom” casino along the East River.
The landscape is crowded, with various stakeholders making their case for the best locations. The excitement surrounding potential new casinos brings with it a mix of economic optimism and cautious skepticism. Advocates argue that casinos could generate considerable tax revenue and create jobs, while critics highlight concerns regarding social issues related to gambling and the impact on local communities.
Significant attention has also been given to real estate and development interests as they play a key role in the casino bidding wars. Nearly a third of all lobbying spending has been directed at issues affecting the real estate, construction, and engineering sectors, which ties directly into the casino projects. Meanwhile, other sectors, including technology and telecommunications, have contributed to the broader lobbying landscape.
Interestingly, the lobbying efforts extend beyond mere casino operations, with various firms investing in a diverse array of issues that intersect with the planning and legislative processes of the city. It’s these multi-faceted lobbying efforts that create a complex web of influence surrounding city governance and urban development.
As the year comes to a close, the anticipation surrounding the approval of the casino licenses remains palpable. City officials are expected to make key decisions that will shape the future of gaming in New York City. With strong investment in lobbying and sustained efforts to sway public opinion, these bidders aim to position themselves as leaders in the casino landscape, hoping their initiatives will pave the way for new growth and prosperity in the region.
Ultimately, as the bidding intensifies, it remains to be seen whether these high-stakes investments will lead to lasting benefits for New Yorkers or whether the potential downsides of expanded gambling will overshadow the promises of economic growth. For now, the hustle and bustle of lobbying indicates that the game is far from over.
