Nas-backed Queens casino bid advances after Jay-Z Times Square proposal rejection

A proposal to expand Resorts World casino at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, backed by rapper Nas, secured preliminary approval from a state siting board on Thursday — just days after regulators rejected a rival Times Square bid involving Jay-Z.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who voted in favor of the project, noted the hometown pride behind the plan, saying, “Queens gets the money.” He also quipped, “Sorry Jay-Z. We win again.”

Nas is a partner in the Resorts World expansion, a $5 billion proposal that would allow live table games such as poker, blackjack, and craps. Plans also include a concert venue and a sports academy with Queens basketball legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith. Nas previously lobbied state lawmakers in Albany to promote the project.

The Queens casino was one of two existing “racinos” — facilities offering slots and electronic games — that cleared a major hurdle toward obtaining one of three full-scale casino licenses the state will award later this year. MGM’s Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway also received unanimous support from its community advisory board.

Supporters argue these established facilities have strong community ties and a proven track record of generating hundreds of millions in tax revenue. James Cavanaugh, chair of the Yonkers advisory committee, said MGM must secure a license to remain viable: “Empire City casino will wither and die [without a table games license].”

By contrast, the Times Square proposal backed by Jay-Z, Caesars, and SL Green Realty faced strong resistance from the Broadway League and local residents. The Manhattan casino bids were all rejected at the advisory board stage earlier this week.

The state Gaming Commission will make the final decision on awarding up to three licenses by year’s end.