Mets owner Steve Cohen ‘could gain casino license’ after NYCFC’s $780m stadium project was approved

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen reportedly could hit the jackpot after New York City FC announced a $780 million stadium deal at Willets Point.

NYCFC’s new stadium, due for completion in 2027, alongside a hotel and 2,500 residential units – which is adjacent to the Mets’ Citi Field stadium – could provide a launching pad for Cohen to secure a casino license that will be offered by Albanian politicians.

Cohen has long wanted to establish a casino in the Queens neighborhood and has explored the possibilities of placing such an establishment in the parking lot of Citi Field.

According to an New York Post reportCohen now has a much higher chance of landing one of the three expected casino licenses now that more traffic is coming into the area.

“They view the stadium plan as a big selling point for the casino,” a city hall official told Rich Calder.

Mets owner Steve Cohen reportedly has his eyes on more than just the MLB team’s performance

Renderings here show what developers envision for New York City FC’s brand new stadium

“Anything that shows the state that more people will come to the Willets Point area will only help the casino plan.”

Another source stated in the report that Cohen had used some of his considerable wealth to increase his chances of acquiring one of the coveted licenses.

Building a casino on the lot at Citi Field ran into a stumbling block because the land was considered parkland.

The removal of the parkland classification is reportedly considered feasible according to a member of Cohen’s camp.

Though state senator Jessica Ramos would like the designation to be “subject to a public review process” before any changes are made.

It looks like the Mets’ World Series hopes patience will be needed before Cohen can get what he wants.

NYCFC’s new stadium is being built next to Citi Field and across from the home of the US Open

NYCFC’s new development will be located directly adjacent to Citi Field and across Roosevelt Avenue from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center – home of the US Open tennis tournament.

The stadium will be accessible by public transportation via Line 7 of the New York subway system and via the Port Washington branch of the Long Island Railroad.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Wednesday that the city and the City Football Group will build a soccer-specific stadium in the Willets Point neighborhood of Queens.