Planned adjustments and renovations for New York City’s only casino, which include the addition of a significantly sized concert hall, could make the Queens gambling destination a nationally recognized spot for entertainment.
This Thursday, the Resorts World slots parlor at Aqueduct race track is revealing an expansion plan that proposes the construction of a 7,000-seat entertainment venue to host global stars.
The plan also includes hopes of securing one of three downstate casino licenses to offer table games such as blackjack, baccarat, poker, and craps at Resorts.
This development outline is projected to create 10,000 combined jobs opportunities in union construction and permanent service positions. The changes would further expand the Resorts casino brand, which already has a venue in Las Vegas, Resorts World Theater.
Genting, the Malaysian gaming giant that owns the Aqueduct betting facility, had always imagined expanding the casino so that it could offer table games.
The casino corporation is fronting $50 million to cover the start-up costs for a Genting Innovation Campus, which includes a sports academy named in honor of Kenny “The Jet” Smith, a Queens native and basketball legend who won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets.
Resorts World Casino has invested $1.1. billion into its current facility at Aqueduct Racetrack, from its initial construction in 2011 to its 400-room Hyatt Regency at JFK Airport being the first four-star hotel within the area in generations.
The Queens casino remains New York State’s largest taxpayer and has garnered more than $4 billion in revenue supporting the state’s public education fund since the gaming/gambling venue debuted more than 12 years ago.
Other bidders seeking a state gambling license include billionaire and Mets owner Steve Cohen, who unveiled a plan for a casino complex including a hotel and music venue called “Metropolitan Park,” that would be next to his baseball team’s Citi Field last November.
There’s also been some competition from other developers and casino operators who have hopped in on proposals to build a casino in areas like Time Square, Hudson Yards, Coney Island, and possibly Ferry Point in the Bronx, where gaming operator Bally’s replaced the Trump organization as operator of the golf course.
However, Resorts World at Aqueduct could have the upper hand in the bidding as it already has a strong reputation in New York and globally, with support from local Queens representatives.
Further details will be announced at the press conference on Thursday, where A-listers who are Queens natives will be attending.
