Malaysian giant Genting opened New York City’s first casino on Friday as it unveiled its new Resorts World casino.
Thousands of visitors attended the opening event, which was hosted by K T Lim, chairman of the Genting Group, and Michael Speller, president of the casino.
Located at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, the casino could pave the way for the legalisation of full-scale commercial casinos in the state. Under the state’s existing gaming laws, the new property is only able to offer video lottery terminals and electronic table games.
New York is to benefit from an estimated $500m a year in tax revenues generated by the casino, which was developed at a cost of $830m.
Genting is also bringing its Resorts World brand to the city of Miami, Florida, although there it may have to wait until the state legislature revises its gambling policy before it can develop a casino.
