The New York Yankees are out to broaden their portfolio and establish a Coney Island casino.
A group of investors placed their bid on the table for a land-based casino in the Brooklyn neighborhood. They join a heated battle for one of three New York casino licenses – all being awarded in the City area next year.
Among the investors are Saratoga Casino Holdings, who own and operate a major racetrack casino, and the Chickasaw Nation, a Native American tribe operating a number of casinos across the country.
Thor Equities is another. They already own a Coney Island property and plan to locate the casino there. Legends, which is partially owned by the New York Yankees, has already put its hat in the ring.
This means both the Yankees and the New York Mets may be going head-to-head for a casino license. Steve Cohen, owner of the Mets is already in talks with Hard Rock about bidding for a casino at Willets Point, near Citi Field.
“This incredible resort will be a world-class entertainment destination, with gaming, a variety of restaurants and entertainment for locals and tourists year-round,” said the President of Legends Global Planning, Bill Rhoda.
Racetrack casinos will be competing, including Resorts World New York City in Queens and Empire City Casino in Yonkers. Others expected to join the battle include Wynn Resorts and Related Companies, SL Green and Caesars.