I am proud to report that once again, Resorts World New York has broken revenue records reporting $59.8 million in the month of July and as result more than $26 million has been sent to the state education fund, according to the New York State Lottery. During the same time period, more than one million people visited the Queens destination; the first time a New York racetrack casino crossed the seven-figure threshold in one
month.
In May, Resorts World at Aqueduct topped the nation in slot machine revenue for the month, generating $57.5 million. Earlier this month, Resorts World shattered the weekly record for gross slot gaming revenue and tax generation in the State of New York, taking in nearly $15 million and sending $6.5 million in education funding in just seven days, from July 1 to July 7. Resorts World is recovering tens of millions of monthly gaming dollars, which was initially going to casinos in neighboring states.
With world-class gaming right here in Queens, there has not only been an influx of casino patrons,
but an influx in tourists to the borough as a whole, which has been a boon to our local economy. New Yorkers and tourists alike are aware that they no longer have to travel to neighboring states to have a wonderful world class gaming experience, it exists right here in Queens.
In March, the Assembly passed legislation as the first step in the process to amend the state constitution to allow for enhanced casino gaming at 7 facilities across the state. The constitutional amendment would need to be passed again by both houses in the legislature before it would go to voters during a referendum for approval. While there has been much discussion about other potential sites, should we really be gambling with established success?
There is no need to look any farther than Resorts World at Aqueduct a proven location and partner for enhanced gaming. Since they began operations, Resorts World has been a valuable community neighbor who has worked hand-in-hand with elected leaders, the NYPD and the community to ensure a seamless development at the Aqueduct facility.
Given the right tools, Resorts World will continue to exceed every expectation, expand on their local workforce and stimulate our local economy. A majority of the nearly 1,700 jobs that were created by Resorts World were given to Queens residents; in addition, local businesses are thriving from the influx of visitors.
In less than a year, Resorts World Casino New York City has sent more than $330 million to the state, which includes more than $212 million to the state education fund. For too long, New York City has forfeited potential revenue to neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut because of its lack of gaming. Building Resorts World at Aqueduct was the right decision for NY State and our community.
In these tough economic times, revenue generating, job creating opportunities are few and far between and given the opportunity to expand, the safest bet would be for Resorts World at Aqueduct.
By Assemblyman Y.Philip Goldfeder
