How Nassau could cash in on table games at Resorts World casino in Queens
Resorts World New York City will become the first of three downstate casinos to offer live table games.
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A decade-old deal between Nassau County and the Genting Group, which operates casino giant Resorts World, could mean even bigger payouts for the county moving forward.
Instead of operating its own 1,000 video lottery terminal casino within the county, Nassau County OTB gave the license to Resorts World New York City in Jamaica, Queens, back in 2016. In exchange, the casino has been sending the county tens of millions of dollars a year.
Genting Group initially provided the county with $9 million in 2016 and 2017, $25 million in 2018 and then an annual increase based on the cost of inflation.
Last year, the casino sent the county $31.4 million, according to OTB officials.
Today, Resorts World New York City became the first downstate casino to offer live table games after being one of three to be awarded a full gaming license by the New York Gaming Commission at the end of last year.
That expansion is expected to bring in additional visitors and revenue.
So, both Nassau and Genting Group are revisiting the deal to make sure the county is getting its fair share.
Representatives from the county and the casino met several weeks ago to determine the next steps, which include a new agreement that will increase the payout for Nassau County.
Resorts World said it will continue to pay the county OTB under the terms of the 2016 deal until a new one is reached, Nassau County OTB President Joe Cairo told News 12.
"We're going to push it," Nassau County OTB President Joe Cairo said. "We want it to be done sooner than later because we believe there will be more money for the taxpayers of Nassau County."
Officials didn't share a timeline for a possible agreement.
In Suffolk County, when asked about any concerns regarding Resorts World's expansion, a spokesperson for Jake's 58 Casino Hotel told News 12, “Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel doesn’t comment on other casinos.”
Resorts World New York City's expanded facility will offer more than 240 live table games, including blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette, as well as maintaining over 2,500 slot machines.
"Live table games will be open and operating right here in Queens for the first time in the history of New York City," Genting Americas East President Robert DeSalvio said in a statement. "We are ready to welcome New Yorkers to this exciting new experience."
In addition to Resorts World New York City, the Hard Rock Casino near Citi Field and Bally's Bronx, also received a full license, but are slated to open in 2030.
