A first look at New York City’s first full-fledged casino, now open in Queens

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Queens just leveled up its gaming scene.

Resorts World Casino New York City on Tuesday officially unveiled its expanded casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, marking a major step forward in New York’s push to bring full-scale casino gaming downstate under the New York Gaming Economic Development Act.

The $5.5 billion upgrade transforms what was once a video lottery terminal facility into a sprawling, next-generation casino experience. The casino now features more than 240 table games — including blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette — along with over 2,500 additional slot machines as part of the expansion.

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“We are ready to welcome New Yorkers to this exciting new experience,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East.

The expansion is expected to create 1,250 new jobs, including 950 table-game dealer positions.

Queens native Nas attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and take part in the ceremonial first roll of the dice.

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Originally opened in 2011, the Ozone Park casino now leans into a more immersive, Las Vegas-style atmosphere. More additions over the next three years are already in the pipeline, including a proposed 7,000-seat concert hall as part of the broader project.

The opening comes as New York advances plans to award three full-scale casino licenses in New York City, reshaping the regional gaming landscape. Alongside Resorts World’s expansion, a casino is planned at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point by Bally’s Corporation, while Mets owner Steve Cohen has partnered with Hard Rock International to pursue a casino and entertainment complex next to Citi Field.

Long Island’s Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel will continue operating under its video lottery terminal model, though it is undergoing a $210 million expansion that includes additional machines, new hotel rooms and upgraded amenities.