It was widely


reported earlier this year that Steven Cohen, a hedge fund manager who owns the New York Mets, had been in talks with multiple


operators including Hard Rock to develop a casino next to the team’s stadium in Willets Point in Queens. The operator hasn’t shown its hand publicly, but a spokesperson


released a statement back in March


refuting Russian


connections to the business.


Te Trump Organisation has the licence for the next 12 years and has agreed to transfer 17 acres at the site – and the licence – to Bally’s. However, Bally’s needs the rights to operate the site for 70 years to get a state casino licence.


Te Parks Department has never previously given that length of long-term licence, nor anything near to it. Time will tell, but it’s looking doubtful. Pledges have been made to remove the ‘Trump’ part of the public sign, but that association is the least of Bally’s’ concerns for the time being.


It was widely reported earlier this year that Steven Cohen, a hedge fund manager who owns the New York Mets, had been in talks with multiple operators including Hard Rock to develop a casino next to the team’s stadium in Willets Point in Queens. Te operator hasn’t shown its hand publicly but a spokesperson released a statement


P32 WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS


back in March refuting Russian connections to the business. Hard Rock’s previous business operations in Moscow and St. Petersburg – now closed – could prove a sticking point in any potential bid.


Tat’s not to say Hard Rock is totally out of the running. Reports across multiple US news outlets indicate Hard Rock has been politically active in the State with the gaming firm’s executives contributing $50,000 to New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s re- election campaign. Tey later held a fundraiser for her, contributing at least $100,000 campaign finance records and reports retrieved by Te New York Post show. Hard Rock also spent $110,000 lobbying state lawmakers on casino gaming prior to the order signing and at least $120,000 afterward, according to state lobbying records.


Many backdoor dealings and


plenty of money changing hands. Lobbying firms behind New York City’s casino proposals continue to make millions on behalf of operators and their real estate partners, according to a POLITICO analysis of public records, with some even working for competing clients. Te contestants are shelling out unreported sums for consulting, political strategy and public relations — contracts that are not required to be made public unlike lobbying deals. Tere are justified fears amongst government groups that the mix of big money, fierce competition and political sign-off has created a breeding ground for corruption.


Like its Hudson River, New York’s casino bidding process is becoming increasingly murky. It’s fair to say it won’t simply come down to the best bids win. However, there have been some fascinating proposals put together so here are the ones that’ve gone on record:


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