New York City now has its first full casino featuring live table games following the opening of an expanded Resorts World facility in Queens on Tuesday.
The facility, previously a slots parlor, has officially opened an expanded gambling area. This new space features more than 200 games with live dealers, including roulette, baccarat, craps, and blackjack, as well as more than 2,500 slot machines.
The expansion is part of a larger vision for the site. Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East—a division of the Malaysia-based Genting Group—stated that the planned $5.5 billion expansion is “only the beginning of something much bigger for Resorts World and for New York.”
Future Developments and Site Expansion
Located on a 72-acre site next to the Aqueduct Racetrack near John F. Kennedy International Airport, the project is expected to grow further. The company has promised to build a new hotel and restaurants, along with a 7,000-seat entertainment venue.
the development plan includes the creation of more than 12 acres of new public green space. The company also intends to bring more slot machines and tables online later this year.
The milestone was celebrated Tuesday with a ceremonial dice roll. The event was attended by local residents, elected officials, and rapper Nas, who serves as a partner in the development.
The Competitive Landscape of NYC Gaming
Resorts World is one of three projects recently granted state gambling licenses to operate full-scale casinos within the city.
Two other major projects were approved but remain years away from completion. These include a $8.1 billion Hard Rock casino complex proposed by Mets owner Steve Cohen near Citi Field in Queens, and a roughly $4 billion casino proposed by Bally’s at the Ferry Point golf course in the Bronx.
The Hard Rock proposal would include retail space, a hotel, and a performance venue, while the Bally’s project would feature an event center, meeting spaces, restaurants, and a hotel.
These three approved projects bested several other proposals, including three casinos proposed for Manhattan.
Statewide Gambling Context
Until now, four full casinos offering table games were located exclusively upstate. The state also operates nine gambling halls that do not offer live table games, many of which are located miles away from Manhattan.
With the opening of Resorts World’s live tables, the accessibility of full-scale casino gaming within New York City limits has fundamentally changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What live table games are now available at Resorts World New York City?
The expanded gambling area features more than 200 games with live dealers, specifically including blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette.
Who is behind the development of the Resorts World expansion?
The casino is operated by Genting Americas East, a division of the Malaysia-based Genting Group. Rapper Nas is also a partner in the development.
Are there other full-scale casinos opening in New York City?
Yes, two other projects have been awarded licenses: an $8.1 billion Hard Rock complex in Queens and a roughly $4 billion Bally’s casino in the Bronx, though both are years away from completion.
Do you think the addition of full-scale casinos will significantly change the tourism and entertainment landscape of the outer boroughs?
