A new poll shows significant support from Queens residents for the development of a casino near the New York Mets’ Citi Field. The group that proposed the project commissioned the poll.

poll queried 600 local residents last month

Of the respondents who received full briefs about the potential casino plan, 78% were in favor. About 65% were supportive of the idea when they learned the complex would contain casino gaming, conference spaces, and a venue for live music. The poll queried 600 local residents last month.

Proposals to build a casino in other areas of Manhattan were met with stiff resistance. New York State began the application process in January for three downstate casino licenses. The expectation is that two of these licenses will go to existing racinos in southeast Queens and Yonkers, meaning there will be stiff competition for the remaining license.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen reportedly hired “the best team that money can buy” to put in a bid. He aims to build the casino resort on a piece of land adjacent to the baseball stadium and would reportedly collaborate with Hard Rock International on the project.