TLDR Genting Resorts World opened New York City’s first full-scale casino in Queens on April 28, next to the Aqueduct Racetrack The casino now offers Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Poker after operating as a slots-only venue since 2011 It is the first of three licensed casinos to open, with Bally’s Bronx and Hard Rock Metropolitan set for 2030 The opening is phase one of a $5.5 billion redevelopment that will eventually include 6,000 slots, 800 tables, 30+ restaurants and 2,000 hotel rooms Rapper Nas performed at the grand opening after years of lobbying and legal battles led to three casino licenses being awarded in December 2024
New York City gamblers no longer need to leave the five boroughs to sit at a real casino table. Genting Resorts World opened the city’s first full-scale casino in Queens on April 28.
The casino is located next to the Aqueduct Racetrack, which is set to close. Resorts World had been running a slots-only operation at the site since 2011.
Now it offers live table games including Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Poker. Dealers are on the floor and the full casino experience is up and running.
Resorts World Queens is the first of three casinos recently awarded licenses by New York’s Gaming Commission. The licenses were handed out in December of last year.
The other two licensed casinos are Bally’s in the Bronx and Steve Cohen’s Hard Rock Metropolitan, also in Queens. Both are expected to open in 2030.
A $5.5 Billion Redevelopment Takes Shape
The current opening is just phase one of a much larger project. The full redevelopment of the Aqueduct site carries a price tag of $5.5 billion.
When complete, the complex will include 6,000 slot machines and 800 table games. It will also feature more