Coney Island Casino Pitch Dubbed ‘The Coney,’ as Details for $3B Project Emerge

The Coney Island casino proposal from New York real estate giant Thor Equities in a consortium that includes Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation, and Legends Hospitality has a name — “The Coney.”

Thor officials revealed the project’s name through a press release that additionally disclosed renderings of the integrated resort.

The proposal seeks to place a casino and resort near the famed Coney Island Boardwalk and iconic 150-foot-tall Wonder Wheel.

Thor executives have secured a roughly five-acre plot at Surf Ave. and W. 12th St. If the project receives one of the three downstate casino licenses from New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board, Thor says the company, along with its development partners, will invest $3 billion to transform Coney Island into a gaming destination that would help revitalize the town that’s seen better days.

Coney Comeback

Should The Coney prevail in what’s expected to be a highly competitive bidding war for the coveted downstate concessions, the casino would be within walking distance of Coney Island’s marquee attractions. Along with the Wonder Wheel, Coney Island is best known for its Cyclone wooden roller coaster, Luna Park amusements, and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs stand.

The Coney will help revitalize Coney Island, bringing year-round jobs and world-class entertainment to Brooklyn and New York City,” said project spokesman Eric Koch. “The project’s revitalizing power will help drive a Coney Island comeback for a community that has lagged behind Brooklyn and the rest of New York City in several areas, including a higher poverty rate, unemployment rate, and higher rates of New Yorkers without health insurance.”