Coney Island Casino Bid Faces Amusement Industry Pushback

The owners of a popular Boardwalk amusement park on Coney Island in New York recently voiced their concerns regarding the proposed casino project. The developers behind the project, called “The Coney,” vowed to invest millions in the local community.

Casinos and Amusement Parks Are like Oil and Water

The proposed project is one out of nearly a dozen casino license race bidders that are competing for one of the three coveted New York casino licenses. While bidders are expected to submit answers to more than 400 questions, and also file their applications by June 27, 2025, the licenses are expected to be awarded by the year’s end.

However, the owners of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, a Coney Island amusement park, recently voiced their concerns regarding the proposed casino development in the area. That’s the case for Dennis Vourderis, whose family owns and runs the amusement park. The representative of the amusement venue was interviewed by CBS News and recognized the incompatibility of amusement parks and casinos.

“Casinos and amusements is not really a good mix. It’s oil and water.“

Dennis Vourderis, VP and co-owner of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park

According to Vourderis, casinos and amusement parks do not mix well. He added: “If they do build this casino, we will work with them. We will try to find a way to survive in that climate.” Vourderis acknowledged that the Wonder Wheel is the “heart of Coney Island,” explaining it would be difficult to see that skyline change.

The co-owner of the family that runs the popular amusement park has been a part of the Community Board 13 for more than two decades. He recently joined in an opposition vote against the effort of the developer of the casino project to remap local streets in the area.

The Coney Vowed to Invest Millions If They Secure a License

Earlier this year, The Coney’s developers vowed to invest a whopping $200 million in the community, provided that they win one of the coveted casino licenses. The pledge to the Coney Island community trust is expected to contribute toward community initiatives and bring positive changes in the region.

However, as noted, not everyone agrees with the proposed project. That’s also the case for other likely bidders, such as Bally’s Bronx casino plan for example, which recently faced opposition from Community Board 10 members. An overwhelming majority of 29 members opposed Bally’s proposal while only five endorsed it.

In other cases, the proposal for Citi Field by Steve Cohen, the billionaire businessman, and Hard Rock, was recently endorsed by two New York lawmakers. The ambitious project called Metropolitan Park enjoys support by Queens State Sen. John Liu and Queens Borough president Donovan Richards.