Resorts World in Queens is set to debut New York City’s first live table games on Tuesday, April 28, pending final testing by the New York Gaming Commission this week. This development marks a significant expansion for the venue, which has primarily offered slot machines adjacent to Aqueduct Racetrack.
The introduction of live table gaming follows the Genting-owned establishment's acquisition of one of three state casino licenses awarded in December. Given that the Queens facility is already operational, Resorts World is positioned to launch these games within months, unlike the other two license holders who face lengthy construction timelines.
The revamped third floor will feature over 240 table games, including popular options like blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette, alongside thousands of slot machines with multi-million dollar jackpots, as confirmed by the casino.
Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming launch, stating, “New York City has never seen anything like what we're planning for April 28. Once the Gaming Commission's final testing is complete, live table games will be available in Queens for the first time in the city’s history. We are eager to welcome New Yorkers to this thrilling new experience.”
The opening ceremony will include performances by Queens-native rapper Nas, along with Genting Chairman KT Lim, local officials, and community leaders. Nas will participate in the ribbon-cutting and the ceremonial first dice roll.
This launch signifies the culmination of extensive hiring and training, resulting in 1,250 new jobs, including 950 table game dealers who recently completed orientation. Currently, the facility employs 2,200 individuals, with expectations to increase to over 2,700 by summer.
Resorts World NYC's Introduction to Gaming workforce development program, initiated in 2022, has trained over 350 local residents in gaming operations. Additionally, the Resorts World Dealer School has successfully trained and hired over 400 local residents, with another 500 expected to graduate by May.
Upon completion of the casino project, Resorts World anticipates hosting 6,000 slot machines and 800 live table games, bringing the total gaming positions to 10,800. The broader development plan also includes 2,000 hotel rooms, expanding from the current 400 units at the Hyatt Regency, and a 7,000-seat multipurpose concert hall.
Future additions will encompass over 12 acres of public green space, a full-service spa, and an innovation campus anchored by the sports Jet Center, named after Queens basketball legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith. Since 2011, Resorts World has functioned as a slots parlor, generating $5 billion in tax revenue for the state’s education system.
The other two casino license recipients are pursuing separate projects in different areas of the city. One is Metropolitan Park, backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock, planned near Citi Field in Flushing. The other is Bally’s, which intends to establish a casino at Ferry Point near the Whitestone Bridge on the site of President Trump’s former golf course, a deal expected to yield $115 million for the Trump Organization.