Mets owner Steve Cohen, other casino bidders among top spenders as record $138M pledged to lobby NYC

The High-Stakes Battle for New York City Casino Licenses

New York City has become the epicenter of a high-stakes lobbying race, with casino bidders leading the charge. In 2024, lobbying spending in the city reached a record $138 million, with over $6 million of that specifically targeted at influencing decisions on casino licenses. Six of the top 10 biggest spenders were casino bidders, intent on swaying city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, to secure lucrative gaming contracts. This wave of lobbying has been described as a "full employment act for lobbyists," as casino operators and their allies spared no expense to push their agendas.

Steve Cohen, the billionaire owner of the New York Mets and founder of Queens Future, is among the most prominent bidders. Cohen’s group, partnering with Seminole Hard Rock, is proposing a casino complex in Willets Point near Citi Field. While his combined lobbying efforts surpassed $2 million, this figure is relatively small for Cohen, who has shown a willingness to spend heavily on high-stakes initiatives, from baseball free agents to philanthropic donations. Other major players include Genting’s Resorts World, Bally’s, and a consortium bidding for a Coney Island casino, all of whom have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in lobbying efforts.

The lobbying blitz reflects the intense competition for up to three state casino licenses in the New York City region, with decisions expected by the end of the year. Many of these bids require approval from city planners, the Adams administration, and the City Council, adding another layer of complexity to the process. The stakes are high, with casino operators promising jobs, economic growth, and community investments as they seek to win over public and political support.

Lobbying Beyond Casinos: A Broader Look at NYC’s Influence Industry

While casino operators dominated the lobbying landscape, they were far from the only players in the game. The New York State Trial Lawyers spent $797,037 on issues ranging from insurance reform to yellow taxi industry concerns, while cable giant Charter Communications invested $630,500 to advance its broadband expansion and franchise renewal goals. RAI Service Company, representing Reynolds American tobacco, spent $574,704 to block a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes, highlighting the diverse range of interests vying for influence in the city.

Healthcare giant Northwell Health, which owns Lenox Hill Hospital, spent $485,315 on lobbying as it navigated the expansion of its Upper East Side facility. These efforts underscore the far-reaching nature of lobbying in New York City, where industries from real estate to technology are actively shaping policy and regulatory decisions. Overall, real estate, construction, and development accounted for 31% of all lobbying activity, followed by technology and telecommunications at 8%, and healthcare at 5%.

The report also revealed that much of the lobbying focused on specific policy areas, with nearly a third centered on city budget issues. Another 27% targeted city board and commission rulings, particularly on real property matters, while 19% addressed legislation and 9% focused on procurement contracts. This data paints a picture of a city where influence is for sale, and those with the resources to lobby effectively often have a significant advantage.

The Lobbying Firms Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes of this lobbying frenzy are the firms that specialize in influencing city officials. Suri Kasirer LLC topped the list, earning over $17 million in compensation. Bolton-St. John followed with $10.46 million, while Pita Bishop & DelGiorno and Constantinople & Vallone also ranked among the highest-paid firms. These companies often boast deep ties to city government, with former officials and political operatives on their payrolls.

Steve Cohen’s lobbying team provides a prime example of this insider influence. His firm retained 14 lobbying outfits, including the Mirram Group, co-run by former Bronx Democratic leader Robert Ramirez and Luis Miranda, the father of playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda. Other firms on Cohen’s payroll include Tusk Strategies, whose principals worked for former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, and Moonshot Strategies, co-founded by Jenny Sedlis, who previously managed a pro-Adams Super PAC and a pro-charter school group. These connections highlight the revolving door between government and lobbying, where relationships and access often prove as valuable as cash.

The Implications of Big Spending in NYC Politics

The sheer scale of lobbying spending in New York City raises important questions about the balance of power in local politics. While casino operators and other industries argue that their investments generate jobs and economic growth, critics warn that such expenditures can tilt the playing field in favor of deep-pocketed interests. The involvement of former officials and political operatives in lobbying firms further blurs the lines between public service and private influence, fueling concerns about corruption and favoritism.

As the city grapples with pressing issues like affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure, the outsized influence of lobbyists risks overshadowing the needs of everyday New Yorkers. The concentration of lobbying activity in industries like real estate and technology also raises questions about whether policy decisions are being made in the public interest or to benefit powerful corporations.

The Road Ahead: Casinos, Lobbying, and the Future of NYC

The battle for casino licenses is far from over, with decisions expected later this year. As gaming operators continue their lobbying push, the outcome will have lasting implications for the city’s economy and communities. While casinos promise to bring revenue and jobs, critics remain skeptical about the potential social costs, from increased gambling addiction to strain on local infrastructure.

Beyond the casino debate, the broader lobbying landscape in New York City serves as a reminder of the complexities of governance in a major urban center. As long as lobbying remains a multibillion-dollar industry, questions of transparency, equity, and accountability will linger. For now, the city remains a high-stakes arena where money, influence, and power intersect in ways that shape the lives of millions.