The launch of live table games at Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) on April 28 is more than a routine expansion—it is a defining moment for the evolution of gaming in New York City.

For the first time in history, downstate New York will host live dealer table games, marking a long-awaited transition from a machine-dominated environment into a more complete and immersive casino experience. Operated by Genting Group, RWNYC is stepping decisively into a new phase of its growth—one that aligns closely with its recent selection by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board as a candidate for a full casino license.

This timing is no coincidence.

A Historic First for New York City

Operated by Genting Group, RWNYC will officially roll out:

• 240+ table games
• 1,500+ gaming positions (Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps, Roulette)
• 2,500+ slot machines (with thousands more coming in 2026)

This expansion follows the completion of the reimagined third floor at the property, located beside the iconic Aqueduct Racetrack.

RWNYC was recently selected as one of three operators for a full casino license by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board — less than five months ago.

This launch is not just operational — it’s strategic positioning.

Beyond Gaming: A Workforce and Community Play

What stands out in this rollout is not just the gaming inventory, but the human infrastructure behind it.

RWNYC has undertaken a significant hiring and training effort, creating 1,250 new jobs, including 950 table-game dealers. Its workforce now stands at 2,200 employees and is expected to exceed 2,700 by summer. This growth has been supported by initiatives like the “Introduction to Gaming” program and the Resorts World Dealer School, which has already trained hundreds of local residents.

This is a strategic move that goes beyond operations. By investing in local talent, RWNYC is building community alignment, strengthening regulatory relationships, and ensuring operational readiness at scale. It is a reminder that in gaming, people—not just products—drive long-term success.

Capturing a Market That Has Long Existed

New York has always been a paradox in global gaming. It is one of the wealthiest and most densely populated markets in the world, yet it has historically lacked full-scale casino offerings within the city itself. As a result, high-value players have consistently traveled to destinations like Atlantic City or Las Vegas.

RWNYC’s table games launch begins to reverse that flow.

By introducing a more complete gaming experience locally, the property is positioned to capture premium demand that has long existed but remained underserved. The addition of table games is particularly important here, as it attracts higher-value players, increases dwell time, and enables more personalized engagement through hosts, loyalty programs, and tailored incentives.

The Strategic Layer: Positioning for Dominance

Perhaps the most important aspect of this launch is what it represents strategically.

Having already been selected as a candidate for a full casino license, RWNYC is now demonstrating its ability to operate at that level before the final approvals are fully realized. It is effectively building momentum—operationally, commercially, and perceptually—ahead of competitors.

As Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, noted, this is a “transformational moment” for the property and for New York City itself. The statement is not an exaggeration. By bringing live table games to Queens for the first time, RWNYC is not just enhancing its offering—it is redefining expectations for what gaming in New York can become.

A Broader Industry Signal

From a wider industry perspective, this development highlights a recurring pattern in gaming markets globally: once regulatory barriers begin to ease, operators that move quickly and execute well tend to establish a lasting advantage.

RWNYC is doing exactly that.

By combining scale, timing, workforce investment, and product expansion, it is positioning itself not just as a participant in the New York market, but as a frontrunner in shaping its future.

Final Thoughts

The April 28 launch is not the end of a journey—it is the beginning of a much larger one.

New York is finally stepping into a more mature phase of gaming development, and Resorts World New York City is leading that transition. The real story here is not just about table games, but about how a property evolves, adapts, and positions itself at the right moment to capture opportunity.

In a market as valuable as New York, that kind of timing can make all the difference.