Resorts World Casino In Queens To Open On Friday In Queens

New York Welcomes Its Very First Casino

The city opened its doors to its first casino at the Aqueduct in South Ozone, Park Queens on Friday.

The new glitzy casino won the approval of lawmakers including Governor Cuomo who insisted that New Yorkers "come to grips" with the economic benefits that would come from its construction.

A recent poll also showed that 64 percent of the state agreed with Cuomo and said that a city casino would help the struggling economy and create new jobs.

Friday's opening marks the end to nearly a decade of delays and debates, which included critics who claimed the construction of a city casino tiptoed around current state law prohibiting human dealers by substituting them for 2,300 video slot machines and 2,000 electronic table games.

Critics also said a casino could lead New Yorkers down a slippery slope plagued by social vices.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was originally among those who denounced the casino's construction and told The Daily News, "I don't want to see people going out for lunch during work and losing a week's pay or a month's pay."

It remains to be seen if we'll see an increase of New Yorkers relinquishing responsibility in favor of gambling, but regardless Resorts World promises a hefty return for the state. The casino's parent company, Genting New York, says Resorts will generate up to $1.5 million.

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