A Nas-backed casino bid in Queens just got the green light to move ahead days after JAY-Z’s Times Square casino dreams were deferred.
On Thursday (Sept. 25), Aqueduct’s Resorts World received preliminary approval from a state siting board to move forward in the race for one of up to three casino licenses in New York. The move felt like a full-circle moment for Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who couldn’t resist throwing a little shade in Hov’s direction while hyping Nas’ ties to the project.
“There’s a theme in Queens and I know Nas is a part of it. Queens gets the money!” Richards said. Then, with a grin, he doubled down: “Sorry JAY-Z. We win again. I just had to rub it in.”
Nas, who has equity in Genting Resorts World’s $5 billion proposal, has been hands-on about the vision. The plan includes live table games like blackjack, craps, and poker, plus a concert hall and even a sports academy with Queens hoops legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith attached. On Thursday, Richards and five other members of the state’s community advisory committee unanimously voted in Resorts World’s favor.
The “One Mic” MC spoke of his new venture into the gambling world prior, and called it a win for his community. “This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent, and build up the next generation of leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours,” he said.
Meanwhile, JAY-Z’s Caesars Palace Times Square bid, with partners SL Green Realty and Caesars, didn’t survive the advisory stage. Every Manhattan casino proposal was struck down amid opposition from the Broadway League and neighborhood residents who made it clear that a new gambling hub in Times Square was likely not happening.
Next up, the statewide Gaming Facility Location Board will review the approved bids before the Gaming Commission makes its final decision. Up to three licenses will be awarded by the end of the year. Other contenders still in the mix include Bally’s in The Bronx, The Coney in Coney Island, and the Mets-Hard Rock partnership eyeing space near Citi Field.
But for now, Queens has bragging rights.