Queens Casino Has Limited Support, According to Ramos Poll

According to a survey requested by Democratic state senator from Queens, Jessica Ramos, there is little desire for a casino in the borough.

Recently, Ramos stated that she was interested in learning more about the opinions of her constituents regarding the $8 billion Metropolitan Park project. Hard Rock International and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen are leading this initiative, which aims to transform the area surrounding Citi Field into a massive park, entertainment complex, and gaming venue.

A political donor who wishes to remain anonymous sent $27,500 to Slingshot Strategies, the company that conducted the survey.

“The pollsters asked 432 registered voters who live within her State Senate District 13 — which includes Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Woodside, and Astoria — between March 5 and March 10, starting with [the] favorability of local, state, and national politicians and their feelings on the city,” reported Katie Honan for The City. 

Of those surveyed, 61% indicated they would never want a casino in the vein of Las Vegas anyplace in Queens, and 75% said they thought it was a bad idea to have a gaming establishment near Citi Field.

Ramos at the Heart of the Queens Casino Argument

The Metropolitan Park idea has the backing of certain local lawmakers and business leaders, but Ramos ultimately decides whether or not the project moves forward.

At the moment, the area that would become the venue, if authorized, is classified as parkland. In order to remove such categorization, one must take legislative action, according to New York law. Since this is Ramos' district, it is improbable that a colleague would introduce a law infringing on her rights. 

She hasn't introduced a measure of this kind thus far, and she hasn't made any indication that she will reverse course.

When it comes to introducing companion legislation in the State Senate to a bill introduced by State Representative Jeff Aubry (D-Queens) last year, Ramos said she will wait until May to make her decision.

The state senator continued by saying that it has been challenging to gauge public opinion on the idea of a gambling site at Citi Field because many activists who are financially supported by the prospective casino have attended her three most recent town halls in the district.

Queens Might Eventually Get a Casino Regardless, Ramos has the power to decide how the Metropolitan Park project turns out, and even though a large portion of her supporters oppose casinos in Queens, their desire may not be granted.

The city is home to Resorts World New York, which specializes in slots. One of the main competitors to get one of the three downstate gaming permits that could be given in late 2025 is Resorts World New York, along with MGM Resorts International's Empire City in Yonkers.

There seems to be disagreement over the idea of a casino hotel in Manhattan, which means that there may be pressure to permit Resorts World New York to become a full-fledged casino. That would accomplish the goal of keeping a casino outside of Queens yet close to Citi Field.