Resorts World NYC Opens High-Limit International Room

Resorts World New York City has opened the International Room, a new high-limit gaming area at its Queens casino, adding private salons and 48 table games to a property that has been expanding quickly since it added 1,400 slots and broke ground on phase two. 

The operator announced the opening on 22 October, according to its press release, with Queens native and hip-hop artist Nas joining the unveiling.

The space covers about 13,657 square feet and offers high-limit baccarat, roulette and blackjack. Guests get dedicated hosted service, an upgraded drinks menu and 24-hour access to hot and cold food without leaving the gaming floor.

The property's own page for the room lists 24 baccarat tables, 20 blackjack tables and four single-zero roulette tables, which makes up the 48 table games, along with three private gaming salons. The salons can be reserved, and one of them includes karaoke. The ribbon-cutting took place on Thursday 22 October, local outlet QNS reported.

Why The Operator Says It Matters

Meghan Taylor, the company's senior vice president of government affairs and public relations, said players who wanted this level of service previously had to leave the city to find it. 

Resorts World describes the room as New York City's first and only exclusive high-roller gaming destination, which is the operator's own claim rather than an independently verified one.

Robert DeSalvio, president of development at Genting Americas East, said the company was proud of how quickly the space was built and wants to give players what they want as soon as possible.

Floor Expansion Still Under Way

The room is part of a wider expansion of the first floor. Another 57 table games and 147 slot machines are due to come online, which would take the property to nearly 300 live table games and more than 4,000 slot machines, based on the operator's figures.

The opening also coincides with the property's 15th anniversary. It has operated in Southeast Queens since 2011, and the operator says it welcomes millions of guests a year.

Where The Wider Project Stands

The launch comes fewer than seven months after Resorts World opened as what the operator calls the city's first and only full-fledged casino. 

In July the company broke ground on phase two of a $5.5 billion integrated resort, which is planned to include a 7,000-seat arena, dozens of bars and restaurants, 2,000 hotel rooms and 11 acres of green space.

The expansion has a clear revenue angle for New York. We recently reported on a 220 per cent jump in New York casino revenue as Resorts World added tables, and the International Room adds a premium tier aimed at high-limit players.

New York residents still cannot play at licensed online casinos, which is why many players look to sweepstakes sites instead. Our guide to online casinos in New York explains what is and is not available in the state.