Casino Opponents Sue NY Gaming Commission, Vow to Keep Fighting

Lawsuit alleges unfair public hearings and lack of consideration for applicants' moral character

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Opponents of the planned Metropolitan Park casino in Flushing, Queens have filed a lawsuit against the New York State Gaming Commission, alleging the commission unlawfully issued the casino license. The petitioners, representing themselves, are seeking to overturn the license and block any development on the site, citing concerns over gambling addiction, alienation of public land, the moral character of the applicants, and an unjust hearing process.

Why it matters

The Metropolitan Park casino has faced significant community opposition, with residents arguing the development would exacerbate gambling addiction issues and improperly use public land. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the fairness of the licensing process and the gaming commission's consideration of the applicants' backgrounds.

The details

The lawsuit charges that the gaming commission board knew the public hearings were not conducted fairly and failed to properly consider the moral character of the applicants - Hard Rock International and Mets owner Steve Cohen. Petitioners allege the hearings were tilted in favor of the casino supporters, with the committee chair shortening the September 16 hearing from 3 hours to 2 and allowing more pro-casino speakers. They also cite Cohen's past financial scandals and Hard Rock's firing of an executive over money laundering allegations as evidence of integrity issues that should have disqualified the applicants.

  • The lawsuit was filed in the New York State Supreme Court on April 1, 2026.
  • The petitioners filed a Motion to Reargue the judge's dismissal of the case on March 28, 2026.

The players

Queens Anti-Casino Coalition

A group of local residents and organizations opposing the Metropolitan Park casino development.

Steve Cohen

Billionaire owner of the New York Mets and one of the applicants for the Metropolitan Park casino license.

Hard Rock International

The other applicant awarded the Metropolitan Park casino license, which recently fired an executive over money laundering allegations.

NYS Gaming Commission

The state regulatory body that awarded the Metropolitan Park casino license, which the petitioners allege did not properly consider the applicants' moral character.

Larinda Hooks

The New York State Assemblymember who chaired the Community Advisory Committee hearings on the Metropolitan Park casino, which opponents claim were unfairly shortened.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'We're not going to be denied our day in court to pursue justice due to a technicality. I think the judge is mistaken here.'”

— Jack Hu, Anti-casino organizer

“'Right now, we are taking the opportunity to give voice to the opposition that was intentionally overlooked. With this lawsuit, and with statements from my fellow petitioners, we urge the court to do the job the gaming commission had failed. Listen to the people and reverse the casino license.'”

— Bernadette McCrann, Petitioner

“'I grew up in a childhood that was very chaotic. He would leave me in the arcade room with $10 as he went off to gamble. I would play through all of my money and then I would wander around the casino for hours.'”

— Jack Hu, Petitioner and anti-casino organizer

What’s next

If the Motion to Reargue is dismissed, the petitioners said they would continue the fight and seek alternative courses of legal action in other courts, potentially filing a formal appeal in the state's appellate court.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle over the Metropolitan Park casino development, with community members alleging the licensing process was flawed and the gaming commission failed to properly vet the applicants' backgrounds. The case raises broader questions about the transparency and fairness of casino approvals, as well as the potential social impacts of such large-scale gambling projects on local neighborhoods.