Tennis Giants Sue NYC: Billionaire's Casino Dreams Trigger Legal War Over Queens Land Grab

 

The United States Tennis Association has filed a lawsuit against New York City challenging plans for a casino development near the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. The legal action centers on a lease agreement dispute involving billionaire Steve Cohen’s proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino project.

The USTA claims the casino development would violate the terms of their 99-year lease agreement with the city, which includes a “superiority clause” giving tennis operations priority over other uses on the city-owned land. The tennis organization argues that this clause legally protects its tournament operations from conflicting developments.

 

According to court documents, the Adams administration has been working to finalize Cohen’s casino proposal. The USTA states they raised concerns about potential lease violations with city officials for several months, but received no formal responses or draft agreements addressing their contractual protections.

 

Similar land use disputes have occurred in other jurisdictions involving casino development projects. Different regions developed distinct approaches to gaming expansion. While some focus on physical developments, others embrace digital solutions. Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act established a framework supporting offshore-licensed operators, providing players access to trusted platforms for AU players with comprehensive gaming options under international licensing standards. These platforms feature extensive pokies collections and mobile-optimized experiences for players.

 

The lawsuit seeks court intervention to prevent what the USTA describes as “irreparable damage” to their tournament operations. Tennis officials point to previous conflicts, including scheduling issues with a Billy Joel concert that occurred during tournament time, as examples of how outside events can disrupt their operations.

 

Cohen’s casino project would be built on state parkland, which typically restricts commercial development. The project promises to create 15,000 jobs and generate billions in community investment, according to development proposals.

 

The gaming industry faces ongoing consolidation challenges. Market research shows the five largest casino operators control approximately half of all gaming revenue nationwide. Gaming law experts note that land use disputes frequently arise with large-scale casino developments due to competing interests between developers and existing land users.

 

State gaming authorities handle casino licensing differently across states. Wall Street corruption concerns have surfaced around various gaming deals, though proving specific allegations takes time in court.

 

Cohen’s casino plans now face another legal hurdle with the USTA lawsuit. The outcome will determine whether the US Open can coexist with a massive casino complex next door.

 

The tennis association has run the Queens facility since 1978, hosting one of tennis’s four major tournaments each year. The US Open brings hundreds of thousands of visitors and generates substantial revenue for the area.

 

Cohen, who owns the New York Mets, wants the casino as part of his entertainment empire in the metro area. He’s competing against several other casino proposals for limited state licenses.

 

City officials haven’t responded to the USTA’s lease violation claims. The lawsuit will move through the court while state regulators review Cohen’s casino application on a separate track.