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New York City has officially welcomed its first casino offering live table games, with Resorts World New York City leading the charge. Located in Queens, RWNYC's expansion marks a significant milestone in the city's gaming landscape. The casino, which has been operating as a video lottery terminal facility, received approval from the New York State Gaming Commission to offer live table games, making it the first commercial casino in the city.
RWNYC's $7.5 billion proposal includes a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor featuring 6,000 slot machines and 800 live table games, creating a total of 10,800 gaming positions. The expansion is expected to generate billions in revenue for mass transit and public education over the next four years. According to Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, "Resorts World New York City’s journey to this historic moment represents more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue, and opportunities for our neighbors."
The casino's expansion is part of a broader initiative that includes a $5.5 billion investment in the 72-acre Aqueduct site, a new 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue, and 2,000 hotel rooms, building on the 400 existing units at the Hyatt Regency. RWNYC's community benefits package also promises to build up to 50,000 units of workforce housing across the five boroughs and establish a Resorts World Innovation Campus.
The approval of RWNYC's proposal follows the New York State Gaming Commission's decision to grant casino licenses to three sites in New York City, including a project by Bally's in the Bronx and the Metropolitan Park casino led by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International in Queens. These projects are expected to contribute significantly to the state's economy, with estimated tax revenues of $7 billion from 2027 to 2036.
The introduction of live table games at RWNYC is expected to attract millions of visitors annually, further solidifying New York City's status as a premier gaming destination. With the casino now open, patrons can enjoy a comprehensive gaming, entertainment, and dining experience in the heart of Queens.
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