PETALING JAYA: Genting’s Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has opened its live table gaming floor and additional commercial casino slots, making history as the first-ever full casino experience in New York City.
The newly debuted live table games floor features over 240 games such as blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette.
Additionally, 2,507 new commercial casino slots were placed on the second and third floors of the existing Aqueduct Facility, including some with million dollar-plus jackpots.
According to RWNYC, the number of tables and commercial slot machines is set to double with the progressive opening of the ground and first gaming floors later this year.
The opening comes just four months after receiving licensure, with the expansion representing a major step towards bringing New York City’s first true integrated resort.
The launch was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and ceremonial first roll of the dice by Genting chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.
The event was also attended by hip-hop artist NAS, as well as elected officials, local community leaders and company leaders.
“Live table gaming is officially open in New York City for the first time ever, and on day one we are contributing to the state’s economy, supporting jobs, and giving back to New Yorkers,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East.
The new additions mark the first component of RWNYC’s US$5.5bil (RM22bil) investment in the 72-acre Acqueduct site.
Plans are also in place for a 7,000-seat multi-purpose entertainment venue, hotel, and more than 12 acres of public green space.
RWNYC is expected to generate hundreds of million dollars for Metropolitan Transportation Authority or MTA as a result of its US$500mil licence fee and tax revenue, as well as contribute additional amounts for the state public education system, adding to the US$5bil it has delivered since launching in 2011.
The new live table gaming floor is also poised to expand employment in the state, with hundreds of new positions opened up across gaming operations, hospitality and support services.
According to RWNYC, the facility currently has 2,200 employees with 500 more set to be added by this summer.
Additionally, RWNYC has proposed a US$2bil community benefits package, along with a commitment towards building up to 50,000 units of workforce housing across the five boroughs and a US$100mil infrastructure improvement package.
