Listen to the article
New York City welcomed its first full-scale casino with live table games on Tuesday as Resorts World in Queens officially launched its expanded gambling operations amid fanfare and celebration.
The enhanced facility now features more than 200 games with live dealers, including blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette, complementing its existing 2,500 slot machines. Officials marked the occasion with a ceremonial dice roll attended by company executives, elected officials, local residents, and rapper Nas, who is a partner in the development.
“With our planned $5.5 billion expansion, this is only the beginning of something much bigger for Resorts World and for New York,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Resorts World New York City has operated next to the Aqueduct Racetrack near John F. Kennedy International Airport for over a decade but previously functioned only as a slots parlor. The company has announced ambitious expansion plans beyond the new table games, including introducing more gambling options later this year.
The development will eventually encompass a new hotel, restaurants, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, and more than 12 acres of public green space across the 72-acre site, transforming it into a comprehensive entertainment destination.
The expansion comes as New York State has moved to increase gambling options in the nation’s largest city, with Resorts World being one of three projects recently awarded state licenses to operate full-scale casinos in the metropolitan area.
The competition for these coveted licenses was fierce, with several high-profile proposals failing to make the cut, including three potential casino sites in Manhattan that generated significant public debate. The state’s decision to expand gambling in New York City represents a major shift in policy and acknowledges the potential economic benefits of regulated gaming in urban areas.
Among the other successful applicants, billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen has proposed an $8.1 billion Hard Rock casino complex adjacent to Citi Field in Queens. The ambitious project would include a performance venue, hotel, and retail space, creating a significant entertainment hub alongside the baseball stadium.
In the Bronx, Bally’s secured approval for a $4 billion casino at the Ferry Point golf course. The development plans feature a hotel, event center, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other amenities designed to transform the area into a premier destination.
However, while Resorts World has now officially opened its expanded operations, the other two approved projects remain years away from completion, giving Resorts World a significant head start in capturing the lucrative New York City gambling market.
The expansion of casino gambling in New York City comes as states nationwide have increasingly turned to legalized gambling as a source of tax revenue and economic development. Prior to these developments, New York State operated four full casinos with table games, all located upstate and far from the population center of Manhattan. The state also runs nine gambling halls without live table games.
Industry analysts suggest that the New York City casino market could generate billions in gambling revenue annually, potentially becoming one of the most lucrative in the country. The expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant tax revenue for both the city and state.
The opening of Resorts World’s expanded operations marks a significant milestone in New York’s evolving relationship with casino gambling, bringing Las Vegas-style gaming to the doorstep of America’s financial capital for the first time.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
9 Comments
As a New Yorker, I’m curious to see how this new casino facility will evolve and integrate with the surrounding neighborhoods. The scale of the planned expansion is significant, so I hope it brings economic benefits without causing too much disruption.
Expanding the casino to include table games is a smart move. It diversifies the entertainment offerings and caters to a broader audience beyond just slot machines. The $5.5 billion investment signals Resorts World’s commitment to growing their presence in the region.
While the addition of live table games is exciting, I hope Resorts World also focuses on responsible gambling initiatives and supporting the local community. Expanding access to gambling can have societal impacts that need to be carefully managed.
Good point. Responsible gambling safeguards should be a priority as Resorts World grows its operations. Engaging with the community will also be crucial for maintaining public support.
This is an exciting development for New York City’s gambling scene. The addition of live table games at Resorts World will likely attract more high-rollers and gaming enthusiasts to the area. It will be interesting to see how this impacts the local economy and tourism.
The $5.5 billion expansion plans for Resorts World sound ambitious. Introducing more gambling options later this year, as well as a new hotel and entertainment venue, suggests they have big aspirations for growing their business in New York City.
The ceremonial dice roll and celebrity involvement suggest this is more than just a routine business opening. Resorts World is positioning this as a major event for New York City. I wonder how the local community feels about the increased gambling options in their neighborhood.
Curious to see how the new table games at Resorts World will impact the existing casino landscape in the region. Will it draw customers away from other casinos or expand the overall market? Looking forward to following the performance and reception of this expanded gambling facility.
Good point. The regional competition will be an important factor to watch. Resorts World will need to differentiate its offerings to attract a loyal customer base.