Did you know that you can reach several casinos within about an hour's drive from Flushing?

Among the Korean community in the New York metropolitan area, casino resorts have quietly gained popularity as weekend getaways, but when you actually try to go for the first time, it can be difficult to gather information about where to go and what to expect. Today, I will summarize the nearby casinos that are frequently mentioned by Koreans in Flushing.

The most accessible place is Epiphany (MGM Empire City Casino) located in Yonkers, New York. It takes about 40 to 50 minutes by highway from Flushing. The casino primarily operates slot machines, and due to New York state regulations, card games and table games are limited and require a license expansion. However, it is quite large and has good food and beverage facilities, making it convenient for a day trip. The parking is spacious and free, making it easy to drive from Queens. I've heard that there are quite a few Korean customers on weekends.

A bit further away is Mohegan Sun, located in Uncasville, Connecticut, which is a full-scale resort casino about 2 hours from Flushing. It features table games, slots, a poker room, as well as a hotel, fine dining restaurants, a spa, and a performance venue. This place is well-suited for those looking to stay a few days and enjoy themselves. In the nearby town of Ledyard, there is also Foxwoods Resort Casino, and these two are among the largest casino resorts in North America. They are representative of the Eastern United States in terms of visitor numbers and the number of gaming tables. The two are only a 15-minute drive apart, so some people visit both in one trip.

Meanwhile, there have been discussions about issuing multiple casino licenses within New York City, and it has been rumored that areas near Flushing are being considered as potential sites. In fact, the New York State Gaming Commission is currently in the process of selecting three licenses for the metropolitan area starting in 2024, and areas like Citi Field in Queens have been mentioned.

However, opinions within the community are divided, especially among the Korean community. There are concerns about increased traffic congestion and gambling addiction, while others hope for expanded tourism infrastructure and job creation. Regardless of the side, this is an issue that could impact life and real estate in the Flushing area, so it is worth keeping an eye on.

While some enjoy casinos as a cultural leisure activity, it is important to acknowledge that gambling issues are indeed arising within the Korean community. According to Korean counseling organizations in the New York area, there have been a significant number of consultations related to gambling addiction.

There are also cases where gambling-related loans or unofficial financial transactions occur at Korean businesses near casinos, so community-level caution is necessary. It is important to set personal limits and enjoy responsibly, and to seek help without hesitation when problems arise.

The New York State Gambling Addiction Counseling Hotline (1-877-8-HOPENY) also provides access to Korean interpretation services.