First New York City Casino, Resorts World NYC, Hosts Grand Opening

The first Las Vegas-style casino in New York City opened its doors to the public on Tuesday.

Resorts World New York City, one of three downstate projects that were licensed by state gaming regulators, welcomed its first customers today. The property had previously operated as a racino before it received the right to expand to a full-fledged casino.

Customers will be treated to up to 240 live-dealer table games and more than 2,500 slot machines.

Resorts World NYC welcomes first customers

Resorts World NYC, owned by Malaysia-based Genting, was up against heavy competition for one of the three licenses made available by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D). However, its previous racino operations gave it a leg up over the competition. 

Just over four months have passed since Resorts World NYC and the two other licensed projects were granted the right to erect casinos in the Big Apple. The Queens-based property is now the first to open its doors to the public, while the other two—Metropolitan Park and Bally’s Bronx—aren’t expected until 2030.

“We have hit the jackpot, Queens!” pronounced Borough President Donovan Richards at the ceremonial opening. “I have always dreamt of Queens being an international entertainment hub, and this certainly is part of that puzzle.”

Queens native and hip-hop legend Nas, real name Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, was a partner in the project. He performed at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “So this is about to expand and do things that everyone’s going to be excited about. So Queens is where it’s at.”

New York City casinos join the market

Resorts World NYC, which sits adjacent to Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, was expanded and refurbished to accommodate its new retail casino amenities. The entire third floor now holds tables with blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette, as well as thousands of slot machines.

“We are all in,” said Genting chairman KT Lim, who partook in opening-day games at the property.

The new casino has already created 1,200 jobs. It and its downstate casino partners are expected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes for the local government over the first decade of operations.

Resorts World NYC also pledged $5.5 billion in investment, which includes a $2 billion community benefits arrangement, the construction of a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, and opening up to 50,000 housing units for local workers.  

Despite those benefits, not all are convinced. Various casino proposals faced strong pushback from locals during the license bidding process, and Resorts World NYC was criticized for its potential to increase crime and traffic.

Even still, Resorts World officials have their eyes on becoming a mainstay in the Queens economy.

“We are changing the landscape of New York forever with a building that will never close,” said Kevin Jones, chief strategy officer of Resorts World New York.