The battle for NYC casino licenses is deliberately shady

Mets owner Steve Cohen has failed to enhance his bid to open a casino near Citi Field at this time.

Specifically, he missed out on leveraging a return favor from Gov. Hochul, who received $136,700 in combined donations from Cohen and his wife in 2021.

The crux of the matter: The Post revealed that Hochul intended to include a provision in the 2025 state budget to expand the allowable uses of city parkland, a move that would help clear a major obstacle for Cohen’s proposed $8 billion “Metropolitan Park” casino and entertainment complex in Queens.

A change of heart: Hochul clarified on Thursday that she has “no intention” of using the budget process to advance the new park rule.

Important to note: While she isn’t ruling out assistance for Cohen, she has specified that it won’t occur during budget deliberations.

This cautious approach is necessary to maintain the flow of donations.

It’s definitely not a good time to be caught doing favors for major donors, especially with the ongoing wide-ranging corruption investigations that are affecting the Adams administration.

The postponed favor was particularly suspect: Lobbyists are prohibited from contacting any government entity in an attempt to influence the award, according to the Gaming Facility Location Board.

However, making large donations is perfectly legal.

This entire casino competition in NYC is structured to maximize legal influence, as industry giants vie for one of the three coveted licenses available.

Such a process epitomizes the sleaziest aspects of New York politics, incentivizing bidders to curry favor with as many politicians and special interests as possible, diverting attention from what is truly best for the public.

It fosters corruption and Hochul, along with other politicians involved, should demonstrate unwavering commitment to maintaining integrity – not just when exposed by scandal.