On Tuesday, Resorts World New York City unveiled its live table games casino floor in Queens, marking the first full-scale casino of its kind in New York City in over ten years, following the state's approval of expanded gambling.
Situated adjacent to Aqueduct Racetrack and just a few miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport, the South Ozone Park venue has introduced over 240 table games, including popular options like blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette. The casino had previously operated slot machines and electronic gaming for more than a decade, which allowed it to advance more quickly than the other two newly licensed casino projects.
Owned by Genting, a Malaysian company that secured one of three downstate casino licenses through New York’s gambling expansion initiative, Resorts World outpaced other significant gaming operators such as Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts in obtaining its license.
“We received the license on December 15, and now, on April 28, we are excited to welcome guests to our new casino floor,” stated Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, in a recent interview.
The launch provides Resorts World with a temporary monopoly over live table games in New York City. The company has disclosed that it is paying 63% in state taxes on slot revenue and 30% on table game revenue. Its license application included a provision that allows for tax rate adjustments to align with competitors once other licensed casinos commence operations.
The other two casino projects are anticipated to take several years to complete. Bally’s is developing a casino on a golf course in the Bronx that was acquired from The Trump Organization, while Hard Rock is planning a venue near Citi Field in collaboration with hedge fund manager and Mets owner Steve Cohen. Both projects are expected to open by 2030.
The Queens casino opening is just the first phase of a larger $5 billion expansion plan, which includes an additional hotel wing, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, an indoor day club featuring pools, a spa, and more facilities. Resorts World is also working on what is expected to be New York City’s first sportsbook, although it has yet to launch.
The current expansion has reportedly generated over 1,200 new jobs, including many positions for table game dealers, with an additional 500 hires anticipated by this summer. Resorts World has recruited some dealers from other states and is also training local residents through a dealer program.
State officials project that the three downstate casinos could yield $7 billion in gaming tax revenue over the next decade, with CBRE estimating annual gaming revenue at maturity could reach up to $5.6 billion under favorable conditions.
The grand opening ceremony attracted elected officials, community leaders, entertainers, and guests. Queens-native rapper Nas, who is a partner in the project, performed at the event and rolled the first dice following the ribbon-cutting. He remarked that this development is just the beginning for Queens, with more expansions to come.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards expressed his long-held vision for the borough to transform into a major entertainment hub, exclaiming, “We have hit the jackpot, Queens!” during the ceremonial opening.
Queens Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato highlighted the anticipated local economic benefits, stating that the project would provide an “economic shot in the arm” for South Ozone Park.
Many guests appreciated the convenience of having live table games available in the city, noting that New Yorkers will no longer need to travel to neighboring states for that experience. Others specifically came to enjoy blackjack and roulette on the casino's opening day.