The New York City’s Clerk’s Office released the Lobbying Bureau report for 2024, and two casino-related companies top the list:
Queens Future, LLC is a corporation hiring lobbyists to drive forward the proposal for a casino development adjacent to the New York Mets’ CitiField ballpark, spending $1.4m to do so. Mets owner Steve Cohen is behind the push and has met significant headwinds to date.
The main issue is failing to secure rezoning for land near the ballpark, with local Queens Senator Jessica Ramos effectively vetoing this move. Cohen has tried to find ways around the block, saying that one person should not be able to shut down such a major project.
Bally’s is also seeking land zoning changes
Bally’s Corporation is second on the list after spending $914,161 and is trying to get one of the three available downtown New York casino licenses for a project in the Bronx on the site of a former Trump golf course. Bally’s is also seeking land zoning changes for a chance to get one of the highly coveted permits.
The New York State Gaming Commission will make its final decisions on the three recipients before the end of 2025. MGM Resorts and Genting’s existing slots facilities are the favorites to get two of the licenses.