A full casino license for Resorts World NYC would be
‘a boon’ for the local community, Queens leaders say
BY BILL PARRY
After advocating for mobile sports
betting for the past three years, state
Senator Joseph Addabbo marveled at
the record-shattering debut that saw
New Yorkers wager $1.6 billion in the
first three weeks, according to the
state’s gaming commission — smashing
the previous U.S. record of $1.3 billion
held by New Jersey.
Now, Addabbo would like to see Resorts
World New York City, in his district,
get one of the full casino licenses
Governor Kathy Hochul announced
she would issue in New York City.
“I think Resorts World deserves it,”
Addabbo told QNS. “They’ve proven
to be a great neighbor and a true economic
engine in our district.”
He said since opening in 2011, Resorts
World New York City (RWNYC)
— located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. —
has generated more than $3 billion for
New York’s education fund. RWNYC
has also created hundreds of goodpaying
union jobs and a full casino license
would add hundreds more to its
workforce.
When Hochul announced the
inclusion of downstate casino
licenses in her executive budget last
month, Addabbo said it presented a
fiscal path forward during difficult
economic times.
“I believe the inclusion of expediting
the three full casino licenses for
our downstate region has the potential
to bring in $1.5 billion in revenue
for the state, additional educational
funding and improvements to problem
gambling programs,” Addabbo said.
“I look forward to continuing to work
with the Hochul administration and
the Gaming Commission to ensure
that gaming in the state expands and
advances in a credible, meaningful
manner.”
Addabbo is not alone in his beliefs.
In an op-ed written for QNS, Councilwoman
Nantasha Williams offered
her support in Resorts World’s bid for
a full casino license, saying they have
State Senator Joseph Addabbo is among the Queens leaders who would like to see Resorts World NYC to land one of the full
casino licenses Governor Kathy Hochul has earmarked for the downstate area. QNS fi le photo
proven their commitment through
their relief efforts for the victims of
Hurricane Sandy and again recently
with the flooding that followed Hurricane
Ida.
“Southeast Queens was disproportionately
TIMESLEDGER | Q 10 NS.COM | FEB. 18 - FEB. 24, 2022
harmed by the pandemic.
With Resorts World, we can build
a better future with an intentional
recovery that puts community first,”
Williams wrote. “If Resorts World’s
location in Queens was granted an
expanded license, it would directly
create hundreds of good-paying
union jobs in an area that needs it
most.”
A full casino license means that in
addition to its 6,500 slots and electronic
table games, Resorts World would be
able to introduce live dealers at table
games such as poker, blackjack and
roulette on two levels of gaming space.
RWNYC also features food and
drink options to serve guests including
Sugar Factory, Bar360, RW Prime
The Sugar Factory is one of many dining options at the complex.
Steakhouse, Queens Burger and Good
Friends Noodle House.
Last summer The Hyatt Regency
JFK Airport at Resorts World New
York opened to the public featuring
400 guest rooms, a fitness center,
state-of-the-art conference and meeting
spaces.
“Resorts World’s presence in southeast
Queens has been a boon for the
local community,” Queens Chamber
of Commerce President and CEO Tom
Grech said. “Since opening in 2011,
they have brought economic activity
to the area that supports local small
businesses, created good-paying jobs
for residents, generated billions in
tax revenue and provided resources
for vital community-based organizations.
Allowing them to expand their
operations will allow them to support
even more families, businesses and
community-based organizations.”
Resorts World New York City is already
the state’s largest taxpayer and
Photo by Gabrielle Holtermann
the infrastructure is already in place
to expand with a full casino license.
“Gaming in downstate New York is
full of untapped potential and Governor
Hochul’s initiative to award additional
casino licenses is a big step toward
showcasing the state’s enormous
promise,” an RWNYC spokesperson
told QNS. “If granted a full casino license,
we are uniquely positioned to
immediately elevate our support for
the state in a number of significant
ways. On day one, we’ll be able to
hire and train hundreds of new union
members, generate additional revenue
for public schools, and drive economic
activity for local small businesses and
the Queens community. This is an exciting
time for New Yorkers and we
are proud to be on the frontlines of the
action.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail
at bparry@schnepsmedia.com or by
phone at (718) 260–4538.
The 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York opened last
summer. Photo by Gabrielle Holtermann
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