On April 29, 2026, one day after its official opening, Resorts World New York City is already operating at full capacity as the only full-scale casino in New York City, securing immediate operational advantage in a high-value urban market ahead of incoming competitors. The property, operated by Genting Group through Genting Americas East under the leadership of Robert DeSalvio, launched with more than 200 live dealer tables and 2,500 active slot machines, running 24/7 from day one.
- Queens debuts New York City’s first casino with live tables
The casino opened with over 2,200 employees, including approximately 950 trained dealers, and is projected to exceed 2,700 jobs by summer 2026, positioning itself as one of the largest direct employment generators in Queens. This expansion builds on a proven financial base: the property, operating since 2011 as a racino, has already contributed approximately $5 billion to New York State’s public education system and attracts around 5 million visitors annually, figures now expected to scale further with the addition of live table gaming.
The move is anchored in the New York Racing Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law Article 13, which authorizes commercial casinos under the oversight of the New York State Gaming Commission, chaired by Brian O'Dwyer with Robert Williams as Executive Director. The license, granted in December 2025, positions Resorts World as the first fully operational operator within the downstate casino framework.
Timing is important, cause competing developments such as Hard Rock Metropolitan Park ($8.1 billion) and Bally’s Bronx ($4 billion) are not expected to open until later in the decade, while Resorts World is already advancing a $5.5 billion expansion including up to 800 tables, 6,000 slots, 2,000 hotel rooms, and a 7,000-seat arena.
From a slot-limited model to a full-scale integrated ecosystem combining tourism, employment and fiscal revenue, with a first-mover operator already monetizing its lead in the largest urban market in the United States.
