Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioThe Resorts World New York City Community Advisory Committee (CAC) held its first public hearing on August 20, 2025, drawing a markedly different tone from other casino proposals.
Unlike the contentious hearings for Bally’s Bronx on August 19 and Caesars Palace Times Square on August 13, Resorts World’s session featured unanimous, vocal support from hospitals, nonprofits, unions, and local business leaders.
All 44 speakers endorsed the $5.5 billion plan to expand the racino at Aqueduct Racetrack into a full commercial casino.
All 44 Speakers in Favor
Bruce Flanz, president and CEO of MediSys Health Network, praised Resorts World’s role in healthcare:
“Resorts World New York City epitomizes the definition of a true community partner… They have donated much-needed funds to support many of our clinical services and programs… Awarding Resorts World this license will also generate more revenue for New York State and public education.”
Dawn Kelly, co-founder of The Nourish Spot salad shop, called the partnership “transformational.”
“For me personally, the partnership with Resorts World has been transformational… What excites me most about Resorts World’s plans is that they are not thinking small. They are thinking about intergenerational impact.”
Queens Chamber of Commerce president Tom Grech emphasized the economic opportunity:
“These are more than jobs. These are careers. Jobs come and go, but careers last forever… Nearly 80% of Resorts World’s current 1,000 employees live within five miles of the facility, and the median pay for those folks exceeds $80,000 a year”.
Community organizer Kevin Livingston, founder of 100 Suits, tied Resorts World’s support to real safety improvements:
“That investment helped us spearhead a 65% decrease in shootings in our catchment area. Real measurable impact, real community impact”.
Justin Rogers, CEO of Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, testified on Resorts World’s presence in Queens’ economy:
“Currently, about 80% of Resorts World’s 1,000 employees live within five miles of the facility, meaning those wages are largely spent in Southeast Queens businesses… Resorts World Expansion will create 5,000 jobs, including 2,500 permanent jobs”.
Council Member Nantasha Williams gave her endorsement while urging Resorts World to prioritize local hiring, affordable housing, and transparency in its community benefits commitments.
Resorts World Announces New Workforce Initiatives
The meeting started with Resorts World unveiling new initiatives aimed at preparing Queens residents for new jobs expected to come as soon as 2026 if the property gets a license:
- A Resorts World Career Center is opening September 16 at Jamaica Station, allowing residents to learn about available opportunities.
- At the same time, Resorts World will also launch the Resorts World Dealer Experience Center in the casino lobby, where visitors can take a two-hour seminar on how to become a casino dealer.
- Partnerships with CUNY/York College to expand gaming operations courses.
The operator reiterated that the expansion would bring 5,000 permanent jobs and 5,000 union construction jobs.
Contrast With Other Hearings
The overwhelmingly supportive tone in the Resorts World CAC hearing drew a sharp contrast to the first public hearings for Bally’s Bronx and Caesars Palace Times Square.
The CAC hearing for Caesars ran over six hours, with the community’s division in the spotlight. Proponents spoke about an economic boost and job creation. Meanwhile, opponents, primarily from the theater and entertainment industries on Broadway, called it a threat to the neighborhood and the industry.
Bally’s saw a similar division. Those in favor spoke about the benefits to the community, with some calling it “transformational.” However, others viewed it as a danger to working-class families and raised concerns about the lack of green space and environmental impact.
Even MGM’s Empire City in Yonkers, also a racino seeking a full license, faced vocal pushback at its first hearing. While unions praised the creation of thousands of construction and permanent jobs, residents warned about increased traffic, flooding, and pressure on emergency services.
Each of the eight casino bids must receive at least one more public hearing and a final CAC vote by September 30 on whether to advance the application to the state Gaming Facility Location Board.
