Resorts World New York City is poised to introduce live table games next week, marking a historic moment as it becomes the first full-scale casino in the city. This development gives the venue a significant advantage over its competitors, as it will be the only establishment of its kind for several years.
According to reports from the New York Post, the grand opening of the expanded gaming floor is scheduled for April 28. The new offerings will feature 200 tables, including popular games such as blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette.
Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, expressed excitement about the upcoming launch, stating, “New York City has never seen anything like what we’re planning for April 28. Once final testing is complete, live table games will be open and operating right here in Queens for the first time in the history of New York City.”
Resorts World was awarded one of three downstate casino licenses in December 2025, alongside Bally’s Bronx and the Metropolitan Park project near Citi Field.
The company has been actively promoting its transition from a slots-only racino to a full-scale casino, with the first phase expected to launch in mid-2026.
What sets Resorts World apart is its existing facility adjacent to Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, which has been operational since 2011 and has already contributed significantly to state tax revenues.
The upcoming launch will not only introduce live table games but also create approximately 1,250 new jobs, including around 950 dealers. The workforce is projected to grow from 2,200 to over 2,700 employees by summer.
DeSalvio remarked, “We are proud to be creating more than a thousand new jobs while taking a major step forward for this property. This is a transformational moment for Resorts World New York City, and we cannot wait to share it with our fellow New Yorkers.”
Looking ahead, Resorts World plans to continue its expansion, with a full build-out aimed for completion by 2030. The $5.5 billion project will feature up to 800 live table games, 6,000 slot machines, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, over 7,000 parking spaces, more than 30 dining options, and extensive community greenspace.
The licensing process for downstate casinos in New York was lengthy, with the state legislature beginning the process in 2022. After numerous candidates expressed interest, three licenses were ultimately awarded to Resorts World, Metropolitan Park, and Bally’s, while other contenders, including MGM Resorts, withdrew their applications.