Resorts World Opens NYC’s First High-Limit Room, Queens Native Nas On Hand

The first full-fledged regulated casino in one of New York City’s five boroughs is now the first regulated NYC casino with a high-limit room.

Resorts World New York City cut the ribbon Thursday on the International Room, which the property describes as an “exclusive, high-limit gaming destination bringing an elevated level of luxury, privacy, and personalized hospitality to Queens.” Hip-hop artist Nas, a Queens native who was also a featured guest when the casino in April formally unveiled its expansion from a slots parlor, took part in the opening of the new room for high rollers.

“The International Room is a major milestone in the evolution of Resorts World New York City, representing another important step toward realizing our vision of a world-class integrated resort right here in Queens,” Resorts World Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Relations Meghan Taylor said Thursday. “Until today, players who wanted this level of service had to leave the city to find it. Now we can offer the personal, high-touch hospitality guests expect in other destinations, which raises the bar for what’s possible in New York City. Every milestone brings us closer to delivering the full vision of for Resorts World, with more reasons for visitors to come, stay longer, and return.”

The International Room has a footprint of over 13,000 square feet and includes 24 baccarat tables, 20 blackjack tables, four single-zero roulette tables, and three private gaming salons ­— one of which is set up for karaoke along with its gambling options. There’s also a “44-seat VIP Lounge serving an East-meets-West menu 24-hours a day,” as the website explains. Resorts World properties are owned by the Malaysia-based Genting Group, and clearly the International Room is intended to cater in part toward deep-pocketed Asian gamblers.

The website notes that access to the room “is reserved for Chairman and Platinum members, as well as invited guests.”

“We are extremely proud of the speed with which we have built and opened this incredible space that offers a new and uplifted experience to our players,” said Genting Americas East President of Development Robert DeSalvio. “Giving players and visitors what they want, as soon as possible, is priority number one for the company, and we look forward to many events like today’s in the near future.”

Growing and growing

Following the casino’s April opening with the addition of table games, the property broke ground in July on a multifaceted expansion. The expansion plans include a 7,000-seat concert arena, a 400-room hotel, a sports and media complex, and a new parking garage.

That same week in July, Resorts World NYC opened a new first floor of the casino, adding 1,400 slot machines. There are now more than 4,000 slots total on the property.

The casino’s revenue has been growing steadily since its opening, and the former Aqueduct Racetrack is continuing to take advantage of its temporary status as the only full casino in New York City. The New York State Gaming Commission awarded three licenses for downstate casinos last December, but the other two projects — Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan Park, which will also be in Queens, and a Bally’s resort in the Bronx — have to be built from the ground up and are targeting 2030 openings.