The group behind a recent Coney Island casino bid believes the move would help to rejuvenate the area and provide an economic boost to the region, albeit there is also some opposition to the plans.

New York is set to issue three commercial casino licenses for the downstate region of the city, and two of these are already seemingly earmarked for successful bids from MGM Resorts’ Empire City Casino, which will be in Yonkers and Genting’s Resorts World New York City in Queens.

The Coney Island bid is one of more than a dozen other bids. 

Paul Pippin, who is the chief operating officer of Global Gaming Solutions, which is, in turn, a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, which operates the largest casino in the world, has reacted to comments and objections from the local community, stating;

We look at this as part of the process,” 

“The community feedback is super important to us. We appreciate the comments and utilize the feedback to make our application stronger.” Pippin added.

Sam Gerrity, CEO of Saratoga Casino Holdings, believes that the ongoing discussions between those behind the bid and those who reside in its immediate vicinity are a good sign in terms of channels of communication remaining open, stating;

“Community engagement and an open dialogue continue to be paramount for us,”

On the proposed location, Pippin commented;

“Coney Island just made sense for us. It’s one of the most iconic, historic neighborhood getaways in New York City,” 

“You look at all those old photographs of people on the beach and coming from all over. We can’t think of a site more important to drive year-round economic activity to that whole area and bring that back.”

Part of the appeal of the bid is the manner in which a casino could help alleviate the issues related to a seasonal venue such as Coney Island.