By Howard Koplowitz
The operator of the racino at Aqueduct Race Track is getting set to open the last remaining video lottery terminals and electronic gaming tables at the property next week.
Resorts World Casino New York will also unveil two new floors at the facility, including the 5th Avenue Casino to complement the Times Square Casino that opened last month.
The final 2,514 VLTs out of 5,000 total at Resorts World will be available for play starting Dec. 16.
Also on the new floors will be two, 250-seat dining facilities — the Asian-themed Genting Palace and the RW Prime steakhouse — and the Central Park Events Center, which Resorts World billed as the largest event and catering space in the borough.
The new additions are opening four months ahead of schedule, Resorts World said.
“We have been truly humbled by the response of New Yorkers and tourists alike and we thank them for their ongoing support and patronage,” said Resorts World New York President Michael Speller. “Due to the hard work of our 1,500-person staff, we’re confident that we will be able to continue providing the highest level of service to our customers as we unveil the second stage of our facility.”
Genting Palace will feature authentic Chinese cuisine prepared by veteran Hong Kong chefs dishing up Chinese barbecue, a wide selection of dim sum and seasonal fresh seafood.
The restaurant will also have a terrace with views of Aqueduct.
RW Prime will offer steaks and seafood with an open kitchen concept “in a setting of rich woods and leathers,” Resorts World said.
In an attempt to capture customers who have traditionally flocked to Atlantic City and other casinos near New York before Resorts World’s opening, the casino is offering free gaming to VIP guests who have loyalty cards from gambling halls in other states in exchange for signing up for a Resorts World loyalty card.
Accompanying the Central Park Events Center on the third floor will be Festival Commons, a 70,000-square-foot outdoor space overlooking the racetrack that will be open for private events and bookings.
“With these two new spectacular venues, Resorts World will be one of the premier locations for concerts, festivals, receptions and other events in New York City,” the company said.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
