NYC's First Full-Scale Casino To Open

New York City’s first full-scale casino will open next Tuesday, April 28, at Resorts World New York City in Queens, pending final testing by the New York State Gaming Commission. (cbsnews.com) Queens native and rapper Nas will attend the official ribbon-cutting and perform the ceremonial first dice throw alongside Genting leadership. (cbsnews.com) Resorts World’s company release says the launch will include roughly 240 table games, more than 1,500 gaming positions and about 2,500 slot machines. (prnewswire.com) The operator also said the opening has already put over 2,200 employees on payroll and will expand staffing further as the floor brings live dealers online. (prnewswire.com) Independent reporting described the initial phase as about 200 tables and cited estimates of 1,250 new jobs — including several hundred table-game dealers — during the rollout. (globalgaminginsider.com) State regulators awarded three downstate casino licenses in December 2025; Resorts World’s ready-made Aqueduct site gives it a multiyear head start while other winners face longer buildouts. (cbsnews.com) Resorts World has operated a slots-only “racino” at Aqueduct since 2011 and has proposed a larger $5.5 billion integrated-resort plan for the 73-acre site. (eatwatchbet.com) Public hearings showed significant support from many local leaders and community speakers, but Asian community groups, public-health researchers and some neighborhood activists warned of displacement, traffic and increased gambling harm. (igamingbusiness.com) “New York City has never seen anything like what we’re planning for April 28,” Resorts World executive Robert DeSalvio said as the company prepared for the ribbon-cutting and the Gaming Commission’s final inspections. (sbcamericas.com)