Vegas-Style Casino New York City Era Begins With Resorts World Grand Opening

The wait is finally over. New York City has officially welcomed its very first Vegas-style casino New York City has been buzzing about for more than a decade. Resorts World New York City, located in Queens, opened its full-scale gaming floor with live table games on Tuesday, marking a historic moment for the Big Apple and ushering in a new era of entertainment and tourism in the city.

The milestone comes more than ten years after New York voters approved a major expansion of gambling across the state, paving the way for full casino operations in the downstate region.

Resorts World Wins the Race

Resorts World, owned by the Malaysia-based gaming company Genting, beat out some of the biggest names in the casino world to secure one of just three coveted full casino licenses in the New York City area. Industry titans like Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts had all competed fiercely for the licenses — but Resorts World emerged victorious.

One major reason Resorts World was first out of the gate is that it already operated a wildly successful slots and electronic gaming venue at the same location. That facility — adjacent to the famed Aqueduct Racetrack and just minutes from John F. Kennedy International Airport — has been one of the most profitable gambling sites in the world for years.

According to Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, the company moved fast to capitalize on the opportunity. From receiving the license on December 15 to welcoming the public on April 28, the team executed the project at lightning speed.

Live Tables, Local Hires, and a New Dealer College

To support the new live gaming experience, Resorts World rolled out a full slate of classic casino games, including roulette, craps, baccarat, and blackjack. While some experienced dealers were brought in from out-of-state casinos, the company is also investing heavily in local talent.

In a major move that reflects the casino’s commitment to community impact, Resorts World has launched a dealer training program — essentially a “dealer college” — to train New Yorkers to staff the bustling casino floors. So far, the expansion has already created more than 1,200 new jobs, with another 500 hires expected by the summer.

The company is also working on launching the city’s very first sportsbook, which is currently under construction and expected to add yet another major attraction once it opens.

A Big Day for Queens

The grand opening was celebrated as a historic moment for Queens, with local leaders and entertainment stars on hand to mark the occasion. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards declared that the borough had truly hit the jackpot. He emphasized his long-standing vision of turning Queens into a globally recognized entertainment hub — a dream that just took a major step forward.

Hip-hop superstar Nas, who grew up in Queens and is a partner in the project, performed at the launch event. Speaking with CNBC, the rapper hinted at major plans to come, promising more exciting developments in the months and years ahead. He proudly proclaimed that Queens is where the action is.

Pushback From the Community

Despite the excitement, the project hasn’t come without controversy. Some local residents have voiced concerns over the potential downsides of having a major casino in their neighborhood, including worries about traffic congestion and a possible rise in crime.

Resorts World has pledged to work closely with the community to address these issues and ensure the expansion benefits the surrounding area. The casino’s leadership has stressed the economic gains the project brings — particularly the new jobs, increased tourism revenue, and tax contributions to the state and city.

Big Money on the Table

For now, Resorts World will operate as the only full-scale casino in New York City, giving it a temporary citywide monopoly. The pricing for that head start, however, isn’t cheap. The company is paying a hefty 63% state tax on slots revenue and 30% on revenue from live table games.

To stay competitive with future rivals, Resorts World negotiated a smart clause into its bid: once the other licensed casinos are up and running, its tax rates will drop to match the rates paid by competitors.

The two other approved casino projects are still years away from opening. Bally’s is constructing a casino on a Bronx golf course it acquired from The Trump Organization. Meanwhile, Hard Rock is teaming up with hedge fund billionaire and Mets owner Steve Cohen to build a massive entertainment complex near Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets.

These three casino licenses were officially awarded by the state’s gambling commission in 2025, following a long, competitive review process tied to the gambling expansion approved by voters back in 2013.

Massive Revenue Potential

The financial impact of these casinos on New York is expected to be enormous. State officials project the three casinos could generate around $7 billion in gaming tax revenue over the next decade. Real estate and analytics firm CBRE has gone even further, estimating annual gaming revenues could reach as high as $5.6 billion under the most optimistic scenario once all three casinos are fully operational.

For Resorts World, the early advantage is undeniable. While the others race to catch up, Resorts World is positioned to capture the lion’s share of business — and shape the trajectory of New York’s emerging casino industry.

A New Chapter for New York

The grand opening represents far more than just a new entertainment venue. It signals a major transformation of New York City’s tourism, hospitality, and gaming landscape. Kevin Jones, Chief Strategy Officer of Resorts World New York, summed up the moment best, declaring that the company is changing the city’s landscape forever — building a venue that will never close.

With its first Vegas-style casino now open and two more on the way, New York City is officially stepping into a new era of high-stakes entertainment. The world will be watching to see how the Big Apple plays its hand.