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New York City is preparing to open its first casino offering live table games, with Resorts World New York City set to begin operations on April 28 in Queens. The development marks a milestone for the city’s gaming industry, as the facility near Aqueduct Racetrack transitions from a slots-focused venue into a full-scale commercial casino.
The launch follows the company securing one of three downstate casino licenses approved by the New York State Gaming Commission in December. While competing projects from Bally’s and a partnership between Hard Rock International and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen remain in development, Resorts World has moved ahead quickly due to its existing infrastructure.
Casino Expansion Brings Table Games to Queens
Resorts World has operated slot machines at its Queens location since 2011, contributing billions in tax revenue to the state’s education system. With the new license, the company will expand its offerings to include live dealer games such as blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette.
The upgraded gaming floor, located on a redesigned third level, will debut with more than 240 table games alongside thousands of slot machines. Officials described the opening as a first for the city’s commercial gaming sector.
“New York City has never seen anything like what we’re planning for April 28,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, according to the New York Post. “Once the Gaming Commission’s 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. We are ready to welcome New Yorkers to this exciting new experience.”
The opening remains contingent on final regulatory approval, with testing by the state gaming commission taking place in the days leading up to the launch.
Jobs and Economic Impact Highlighted
The expansion has led to a significant increase in staffing at the Queens facility. Resorts World reported that it created 1,250 new positions, including approximately 950 table game dealers trained in recent weeks. The workforce now exceeds 2,200 employees, with projections indicating it could surpass 2,700 by the summer.
DeSalvio emphasized the broader impact of the project on employment and future development. “Resorts World now employees over 2,200 team members and have already doubled our workforce and expect thousands more team members as the integrated resort is developed over the next three years,” he said. “This is a transformational moment for Resorts World New York City, and we cannot wait to share it with our fellow New Yorkers.”
State officials and casino supporters have pointed to the potential economic benefits of expanded gaming in New York City, including increased tax revenue and job creation tied to large-scale resort developments.
Opening Ceremony and Future Development Plans
The April 28 launch will include a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event featuring Genting Chairman KT Lim and Queens-born rapper Nas, who is expected to take part in the inaugural roll of the dice. Elected officials, community leaders, and entertainment figures are also scheduled to attend.
Resorts World is the first among the three newly licensed operators to open, while the other projects are expected to take several years to complete. Bally’s plans to build a casino in the Bronx, while the Metropolitan Park proposal in Queens is still under construction, with both anticipated to open around 2030.
Looking ahead, Resorts World has outlined plans for a larger integrated resort. When fully built, the property is expected to include up to 6,000 slot machines and 800 live table games. Additional features will include expanded hotel capacity, growing from 400 rooms at the existing Hyatt Regency to approximately 2,000 rooms, along with a 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue.
The broader development also includes public spaces and amenities designed to transform the site into a major entertainment destination. The full project carries a multibillion-dollar price tag and is expected to continue expanding over the next several years.