FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM FEBRUARY 17, 2022 • THE QUEENS COURIER 17
A full casino license for Resorts World NYC would be
‘a boon’ for the local community, Queens leaders say
BY BILL PARRY
bparry@schnepsmedia.com
@QNS
Aft er 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 fi rst 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. “Th ey’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 good-paying 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 fi scal path forward during diffi cult
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 off ered
her support in Resorts World’s bid for a full
casino license, saying they have proven their
commitment through their relief eff orts for
the victims of Hurricane Sandy and again
recently with the fl ooding that followed
Hurricane Ida.
“Southeast Queens was disproportionately
harmed by the pandemic. With Resorts
World, we can build a better future with an
intentional recovery that puts community
fi rst,” 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 Steakhouse,
Queens Burger and Good Friends Noodle
House.
Last summer Th e Hyatt Regency JFK
Airport at Resorts World New York opened
to the public featuring 400 guest rooms, a fi tness
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 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 signifi cant 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. Th is is an exciting
time for New Yorkers and we are proud to
be on the frontlines of the action.”
Photo by Gabrielle Holtermann
LEFT: The 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York opened last summer.
QNS fi le photo
State Senator Joseph Addabbo would like to see Resorts World NYC to land one of the full casino licenses Governor Kathy Hochul has earmarked for the
downstate area.
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