Chiree Gilliam picked up a pair of red dice, demonstrating both excitement and confidence as she prepared for a roll at the newly opened craps table in Resorts World New York City. However, her first toss resulted in a loss, prompting a comment from a fellow bettor who called it a “crap dice” moment. Undeterred, Gilliam, a 44-year-old nurse from Connecticut, was among the first gamblers to experience the live gaming tables, marking a significant day for gambling in the city.
After years of anticipation, New York City welcomed its first full-scale commercial casino on Tuesday morning, thanks to the opening of Resorts World. Once limited to electronic games next to Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, the venue has now expanded to include live dealers, card games, and a vibrant atmosphere, immediately capturing the attention of local enthusiasts eager to participate.
As the morning unfolded, hundreds of early gamblers poured into the expansive gambling hall, which is longer than a football field. The sight prompted reactions reminiscent of children on Christmas morning, as patrons rushed to take in the sparkling new blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette tables. Gilliam admitted she was impressed by the ambiance, noting that it felt livelier compared to other casinos she frequented in Connecticut.
The opening ceremony featured Resorts World executives alongside local elected officials and included a special performance by rapper Nas, a native of Queens. In a tuxedo, Nas celebrated the occasion by tossing the first set of dice and subsequently taking to the stage to rap, promoting the casino’s grand debut with enthusiasm.
As soon as the gates opened, gamblers quickly surrounded the tables, even as casino staff were still adjusting to the new operations. Among them was Ryan Elder, a 45-year-old hair salon owner who expressed optimism about the economic prospects for the local community, calling the casino a boon for job creation due to its proximity to many residents.
Industry insiders and dealers were equally excited about the opportunities the casino presented. Marie Leoma, a dealer with 15 years of experience, relocated to work at Resorts World, excited by the chance to be part of New York City’s first true casino. She emphasized the diverse clientele the city brings, hinting at the wide-ranging appeal the casino would have.
However, the opening was not without its skeptics. Some opponents raised concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction, particularly in communities that may struggle with it the most. They warned that while the state stands to gain substantial tax revenue, the social impact could reverberate through New York’s more vulnerable neighborhoods.
Among the early attendees, Shou Ray Liang shared his plans to stake a significant amount at the baccarat tables, highlighting the varying relationship individuals have with gambling. His wife noted that he had achieved notable success, enabling him to leave his job as a restaurant cook to pursue gambling full-time.
The casino’s opening is the culmination of years of efforts to tap into New York’s bustling market, one of the last major urban areas to have a full-fledged casino operation. Following legal amendments in 2013, the state gaming commission finally approved three new applications for casinos, with Resorts World being the first to come to fruition, while two others are expected to open by 2030.
Resorts World is projected to generate up to $4 billion annually, positioning it as one of the highest-grossing casinos in the nation. The venue has hired approximately 1,250 new workers, with local residents benefiting from a dealer school that has trained hundreds to fill various roles.
As the day progressed, signs of excitement echoed through the gaming floor, with cheers emanating from tables where lucky players hit big wins. However, some visitors, like Joe Mallozzi and Michael DaSilva from Stamford, Connecticut, remained unimpressed, citing inexperienced dealers and a lack of enticing bonus features as deterrents to returning, despite their losses.
The grand opening certainly marked a new chapter in the gambling landscape of New York City, sparking conversations about both the potential benefits and social challenges that accompany this significant development.
