A transformative wave of development is sweeping through southeastern Queens as hip-hop icon Nas joins forces with Resorts World New York City on an ambitious $5.5 billion casino project. The proposed expansion of the Aqueduct “racino” into a full-scale Las Vegas-style casino resort represents one of the largest investments in Queens’ history, with Genting Americas East serving as the parent company behind the development.
The project’s scope is impressive, featuring a 350,000-square-foot casino floor that would rank among the world’s largest, complemented by a 7,000-seat performance venue and more than 1,600 new hotel rooms. The project, officially named Aqueduct Park, will revamp the existing casino facility to rival Resorts World’s renowned Las Vegas properties. Dining enthusiasts will appreciate over 30 food and beverage partnerships showcasing both international cuisine and local flavors, while a 10-acre public park will provide much-needed green space to the area.
The massive 350,000-square-foot casino floor anchors a comprehensive entertainment experience featuring performance venues, luxury accommodations, diverse dining, and public green space.
Community benefits form a cornerstone of the proposal, with plans to create 3,000 units of workforce housing and thousands of union jobs. Resorts World has pledged $50 million in start-up funding for the Genting Innovation Campus, which will include facilities such as the Kenny “The Jet” Smith Academy and a Community Health Center. Additionally, the venue plans to host regular live performances that could create sync deal opportunities for local musicians seeking to monetize their work through visual media licensing. The performance venue will also implement social media campaigns to promote local artists and boost visibility for upcoming shows.
The developer has also committed to $2 billion in community support grants if they secure the coveted casino license.
Nas, drawing on his Queens roots, has been instrumental in generating public support for the project. The rapper holds a 1% stake in the lucrative Aqueduct casino development, potentially yielding millions in annual returns as the venue reaches full operational capacity. Together with Resorts World, the rapper pledged $2 million to The Hip Hop Museum, demonstrating their commitment to preserving the borough’s cultural heritage.
The proposal has already cleared an important hurdle, receiving unanimous approval from the Queens Community Advisory Committee. If completed, the casino resort is projected to generate approximately $1 billion in annual tax revenue for New York State, making it a significant economic engine for the region.
With $750 million allocated for affordable workforce housing and the potential to create up to 50,000 units, the project aims to address critical housing needs while transforming the Aqueduct site into a premier entertainment destination that celebrates Queens’ diverse community and cultural legacy.
