Genting Chairman KT Lim Joined by Hip-Hop Legend NAS, Elected Officials and Community Leaders Celebrate the Launch of Live Table Gaming and Commercial Casino Slots — A Major Step Toward New York City’s First True Integrated Resort, Opening Just Four Months After Licensure

Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) on Tuesday marked a significant milestone with the official unveiling of its expansive live table gaming floor, featuring 242 tables, during a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted by a ceremonial inaugural roll of the dice led by Genting Chairman KT Lim. Concurrently, the property introduced an additional gaming level housing 2,507 commercial slot machines, including a selection offering jackpots exceeding 1,000,000.

The occasion drew a distinguished gathering of attendees, including renowned Hip-Hop artist and RWNYC partner Nas, elected officials, community stakeholders, and senior executives. This landmark event signifies the first time live table gaming has been introduced within New York City, firmly establishing RWNYC as a pioneering force in the evolution of the city’s gaming and hospitality sector.

“With Chairman Lim’s first roll of the dice, we celebrate a milestone that took nearly 15 years of hard work, strong partnerships, and an unwavering belief in what this property could become for New York,” said Robert DeSalvio, President, Genting Americas East. “Live table gaming is officially open in New York City for the first time ever, and on day one we are contributing to the State’s economy, supporting jobs, and giving back to New Yorkers. With our planned $5.5 billion expansion, this is only the beginning of something much bigger for Resorts World and for New York.”

More than 240 table games including blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette were debuted on a newly reimagined gaming floor alongside more than 2,500 new commercial slot machines placed on the second and third floor of the existing Aqueduct Facility. The number of tables and commercial slot machines will double with the progressive opening of the ground and first gaming floors later in the year. The launch represents a defining moment not only for Resorts World New York City, but for the entire state, as the facility begins a new chapter of gaming and entertainment while continuing its role as a major economic engine. The combination of live games and slot machines has created the first-ever full casino experience in New York City.

CELEBRATING A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR NEW YORK

The addition of live table games is the first component of RWNYC’s  $5.5 billion investment in the 72-acre Aqueduct site. Future plans include a new 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue, new hotel and more than 12 acres of new public green space. Beyond the site, RWNYC has proposed a $2 billion community benefits package, with a commitment to build up to 50,000 units of workforce housing across the five boroughs, and a $100 million infrastructure improvement package.

“After years of careful planning and dutifully navigating the state gaming license process, Queens has officially hit the jackpot with today’s opening of Resorts World’s expansion. From providing top-tier entertainment to investing billions of dollars in benefits into our communities to creating thousands of good-paying union jobs for our neighbors, Resorts World continues to go above and beyond when it comes to making a positive impact in our borough,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Today marks a momentous step forward in boosting the economic vitality of South Queens, and I congratulate our partners at Resorts World on today’s milestone.”

ECONOMIC IMPACT STARTING DAY ONE

With the launch of live table gaming, RWNYC immediately adds incremental economic activity to New York State through new gaming tax revenue, expanded employment, and increased visitor spending. RWNYC is expected to generate hundreds of million dollars for the MTA through its $500 million license fee, and new tax revenue for the MTA, as well as additional amounts for the State public education system, adding to the $5 billion that RWNYC has delivered since launching in 2011.

RWNYC is already one of the largest employers in Queens, and the live table gaming floor expands that footprint further with hundreds of new positions across gaming operations, hospitality, and support services. In early April, RWNYC began a series of orientation sessions for the 1,250 new employees, onboarding them ahead of the live table game launch. The facility currently has 2,200 employees with 500 more expected by this summer.

The ribbon cutting and ceremonial first dice roll is one milestone in a broader expansion of the Resorts World New York City campus. The property’s continued growth, including the forthcoming debut of more table games and commercial slots towards the end of the year, signals a long-term investment in Queens and in New York’s emergence as a premier gaming and resort destination.

Additional announcements regarding Resorts World New York City’s continued expansion will be shared in the coming months.

Here’s what elected officials are saying about Resorts World NYC:

“I have fought for Queens my entire career because I know what this borough is capable of, and Resorts World New York City is proof of that potential realized,” said Congressman Gregory Meeks. “This project is about jobs, economic growth, and real opportunity for the people I represent. It is creating pathways to good-paying careers, generating revenue for our community, and strengthening Queens’ future. Resorts World has been a true partner, and today we celebrate the impact that partnership continues to deliver.”

“I have stood with Resorts World through every step of this process because I believed in the vision and I believed in their promise to Queens, given their 15-year record of delivering,” said Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Chairman of the New York State Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering. “Today that promise is fulfilled. The jobs are here, the investment is here, and the positive impact on our community starts with the first hand dealt and the first roll of dice.”

“Resorts World New York City has long been a major economic engine for Southeast Queens, creating jobs and driving investment in our community. The addition of live table games marks an important step forward, bringing new opportunities for employment, tourism, and local growth. As we consider the future of gaming in New York, expansion efforts must continue to prioritize community impact, workforce development, and pathways for local residents to benefit directly. “I look forward to seeing how this next phase continues to strengthen our local economy,” said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie.

“This is a historic day for our state and for every New Yorker who believed that world-class gaming and hospitality belonged here at home,” said New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud. “Resorts World New York City has earned this moment through years of community investment and a genuine commitment to our neighbors. I look forward to what comes next.”

“For the residents of Southeast Queens, today is a milestone. Resorts World New York City has long been a neighborhood anchor—an employer, a partner, and a true community builder,” said New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. “The launch of live table gaming, the first time this state has ever seen it, builds on everything they have already contributed to this borough. This addition will bring even more jobs and opportunity to our communities, and I’m proud to stand here for this moment.”

“Resorts World New York City has been a great partner to the many communities of Queens. There needs to be continued drive for economic growth, job creation and support of public safety through investment in the surrounding neighborhoods. I congratulate Resorts World on this milestone and its positive impact across Queens and beyond,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

“This is a great day! The wait is finally over and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come! With the expansion of Resorts World NYC we will see live table games with thousands of good paying jobs – showing off an amazing partnership that will bring economic development to South Queens,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. “When I Chaired the Community Advisory Council we heard how Resorts World NYC has supported our community which ensured we advanced this proposal. It’s not a gamble to bet on Resorts World NYC and I’m rolling the dice in their favor!”

“The opening of live table gaming at Resorts World New York City belongs to this community,” said Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman. “I have seen firsthand how Resorts World invests in our neighbors, from workforce training programs to strengthening good-paying careers that keep families here. Today’s historic first is a testament to what happens when a company keeps its promise to the people of Queens.”

“Resorts World New York City has been delivering for Queens for over a decade, and today they have done it again. The launch of live table gaming is a historic first for New York City and a milestone that will create real economic opportunity for residents across our borough. I am proud to stand with Resorts World on this remarkable day,” said Assemblymember David Weprin.

“Today marks a major milestone as Resorts World New York City officially opens as a full-service casino with live table games, becoming a true, traditional gaming destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike,” said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. “This expansion is already creating thousands of good-paying jobs, with even more on the way, and opening doors to careers in hospitality, gaming, and beyond. These are real opportunities, accessible to people from all backgrounds, and a pathway to long-term economic mobility for working families. This moment represents more than just an expansion: it is the realization of a long-anticipated vision for New York’s gaming industry and a significant boost for our economy. I commend Resorts World New York City on this achievement.”

“Resorts World New York City has long been a partner to Southeast Queens, and today that partnership takes on a new and exciting form,” said Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson. “With a robust community benefits package, infrastructure commitment, and hundreds of local residents already trained and employed, this is a proud day for those who call Southeast Queens home.”

“Resorts World New York City has been committed to this community for over a decade, and today that commitment reaches a new level with jobs for our neighbors and real economic opportunity for District 28,” said New York City Councilmember Ty Hankerson. “I am proud to be the councilmember for this community on one of the most historic days in New York City history.”

“Resorts World has shown what it means to be a true community partner consistently investing in Southeast Queens, creating jobs, supporting local initiatives, and standing with residents year after year,” said New York City Councilmember Dr. Nantasha Williams. “Today’s opening of live table games at Resorts World New York City marks an exciting new chapter for our city’s entertainment and tourism economy, while reinforcing the importance of businesses that grow alongside the communities they call home. I congratulate the entire Genting team on this milestone, and I look forward to continued partnership that delivers opportunity for Queens and all New Yorkers.”

“Today’s milestone belongs to the entire Queens community. Resorts World New York City has demonstrated time and again what it means to be a true partner to this borough, and the launch of live table gaming is a testament to that commitment. I am proud to celebrate this historic first alongside my colleagues and the residents of Queens,” said New York City Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers.

“Resorts World New York City has been a constant presence and committed partner in our community for years, and today that partnership reaches a new milestone,” said New York City Councilmember Joann Ariola. “Live table gaming in New York City for the first time is a historic achievement, and I am proud it is happening right here, close to the neighbors I represent. This is a great day for Queens!”

“The Queens business community has long recognized Resorts World as one of our borough’s greatest economic engines,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Today’s ribbon cutting is a testament to years of perseverance, partnership, and purpose. The opening of live table gaming is a win for every business and every worker in Queens.”

“The Asian American community in Queens and across New York City has a deep stake in the success of Resorts World New York City, and today we celebrate alongside them,” said Peter Tu, Chief Advisor of the Flushing Chinese Business Association. “This is a property that reflects the ambition of New York. We are proud to call Resorts World a partner and neighbor, and we look forward to everything still to come.”

About RWNYC

Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is the Big Apple’s only casino-hotel and has generated nearly $5 billion for the State’s public education system since 2011. RWNYC fulfils the decades-long mission to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into a gaming destination with approximately 5,500 video lottery machines and electronic table games. On April 28, 2026, the facility was transformed to a commercial casino casino with over 240 live table games and more than 2,500 machines, with more gaming facilities towards the end of 2026.  An average 5 million guests pass through RWNYC’s doors annually, where they enjoy an extraordinary gaming, entertainment, and dining experience and this is expected to double to 10 million guests a year. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York City opened its doors — bringing the total investment at the site to $1.1 billion. Guests choose from several dining options, including the recently reopened RW Prime and the Good Friends Noodle House.

RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resort operations in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.