Resorts World Casino, the rejuvenated Aqueduct Racino in South Ozone Park, hit the jackpot during its first 10 days as it pulled in about $15 million in net profits, while gamblers bet almost $178 million.
This is great news for New York State, as about $1 million of the casino’s daily revenue goes to Albany to support state education programs and the horse racing industry. A portion of the money also goes to state lottery, while the casino operator keeps less than a third.
A Resorts World spokesperson said that large crowds were expected for the opening because of the novelty factor, but the education department and the racing industry stands to benefit from such novelty.
The company also said that it plans to hire an additional 150 workers, bringing the total number of employees to 1,500 — a 76 percent increase from Resorts World’s original estimates. Resorts World Casino New York President Michael Speller said the hiring of additional workers demonstrates that they are constantly looking for ways to better serve Queens.
“We have said from the beginning that we will continue to look for opportunities to create even more jobs and are thrilled to be able to do that so soon after our first phase of opening,” he said. “With our expanded staff in place, our second phase of opening in December will be a tremendous opportunity for visitors to experience the full extent of what Resorts World has to offer.”
The second phase of the casino’s opening, coming in December, will bring additional Video Lottery Terminals and Electronic Table Games, as well as a 130,000-square-foot events center — which Resorts World has called the largest event space in the borough.
