A New Era for Queens Gaming
Queens is set to become the home of the nation’s largest integrated resort, thanks to a landmark decision by a state board that unanimously approved a $5.5 billion expansion of Resorts World Casino. This development marks a significant shift in New York’s gaming landscape and promises to bring substantial economic benefits to the borough.
Nas, a Queens native and rap icon, has been a key supporter of the project. He partnered with Resorts World in June and expressed his excitement about the initiative. “The future is not something you wait for. It’s something you build… We’re committed to Queens and, in Queens, the future is now!” he said in a promotional video. The project, backed by Genting Americas East, is expected to have a positive impact on both the local economy and the community.
Robert DeSalvia, president of Genting Americas East, thanked the Community Advisory Committee for their support. “We are incredibly grateful to the large number of residents, partners, and supporters who touted this project, without a single person speaking against it,” he said. “This is a testament to our mission — solidified over the last 15 years — to be the best neighbor possible here in Queens.”
In addition to Nas, Queens native and retired NBA star Kenny “The Jet” Smith has also joined the effort. Smith revealed plans for “The Jet Center,” a state-of-the-art sports and media complex that will serve as the centerpiece of the Resorts World Innovation Campus, according to a press release.
A Contrast in Approvals
The approval for Queens comes just one week after Jay-Z’s bid for a Times Square casino was rejected. Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation, alongside SL Green and Caesars Entertainment, had proposed the “Caesars Palace Times Square” project. This plan included transforming the 1515 Broadway office tower into a luxury complex featuring hotels, shops, and restaurants. The proposal also promised an initial $15 million community pledge and 0.5 percent of the casino’s profits, totaling $250 million, for local initiatives.
Despite these incentives, the six-member state Community Advisory Committee voted 4-2 against the proposal on September 17. Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League, praised the decision, stating, “This was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway for the one hundred thousand New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods, and for the tens of millions who come from around the world to experience it.” He added, “A casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here.”
Jay-Z had previously expressed confidence in the project’s potential, saying, “New York City is the entertainment capital of the world, so the idea of a world-class casino here makes perfect sense.” He emphasized the cultural and economic benefits, adding, “New York is the epicenter of culture. We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of the true crossroads of the world.”
Backlash and Reactions
The rejection sparked backlash from SL Green CEO Marc Holliday, who criticized the committee’s decision as a “despicable display of cowardice, lack of leadership, lack of consideration for all the people who would benefit from this proposal,” according to a video shared online.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the success of Resorts World in Queens highlights the potential for large-scale developments to positively impact local communities. With strong support from prominent figures and a clear vision for the future, the project is poised to make a lasting impact on the borough and beyond.
