Resorts World New York City opened NYC’s first full-scale casino with live table games on April 28 in Jamaica, Queens.
Located next to the Aqueduct Racetrack, the facility has operated as a slot-only gaming venue for a long time and the upcoming expansion marks a major shift in the city’s gambling industry.
For over a decade, the property functioned as a video lottery terminal site offering electronic gaming machines instead of traditional casino experiences.
With this expansion, however, Resorts World will introduce live dealer table games. Alongside the thousands of slot machines already in operation, at least 200 table games are expected to be available, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps.
This addition officially classifies the casino as “full-scale,” allowing players to interact with live dealers rather than automated systems. Supporters of the project said the expansion will provide significant economic benefits to Queens and NYC as a whole.
Resorts World said the expansion has created about 1,250 new jobs, including roughly 950 newly trained table-game dealers, which will bring total employment at the facility to over 2,200 workers.
Company officials have also emphasized the project’s long-term economic potential.
They believe these developments will be a way to boost funding for 1,250 new jobs, particularly the state’s education system, for which they have already generated billions of dollars.
In addition to job creation, the expansion is expected to increase tax revenue for New York state, with an estimated $7 billion to be generated over the next decade.
Resorts World’s transition into a full-scale casino is part of a broader plan to expand gambling opportunities across the downstate region, where two additional casino licenses have already been approved earlier this year.
Despite these anticipated benefits, the project also raised concerns among critics and residents.
Some worry that the introduction of live table games could lead to higher rates of gambling and negatively impact surrounding communities.
Others question whether the economic gains promised by developers will be distributed fairly, especially in neighborhoods near the casino.
Local business owners and tourism advocates are also watching the opening closely, since a large casino could bring more foot traffic to the area and encourage visitors to spend money nearby.
Community members are hoping to see those benefits matched by responsible oversight and real investment in the neighborhood.
Resorts World’s opening also gives it a competitive advantage over other proposed downstate casinos that are still in the planning or approval stages.
While additional casinos are expected to be built in the coming years, this newest location will be the first place in NYC to offer a full range of live gaming options, representing a significant milestone for the city.
The launch of Resorts World’s full-scale casino not only changes the local entertainment landscape, but also signals the beginning of a broader shift toward legalized casino gaming within the city.
