A casino bid backed by hip-hop legend Nas is moving forward in Queens, just days after JAY-Z’s Times Square casino project was shut down.
On Thursday (Sept. 25), Resorts World Aqueduct in Queens received preliminary approval from New York’s state siting board, advancing in the race for one of three highly coveted New York casino licenses. The decision marked a major win for Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who couldn’t resist throwing shade at Hov while celebrating Nas’ involvement.
“There’s a theme in Queens and I know Nas is a part of it. Queens gets the money!” Richards said before adding with a grin: “Sorry JAY-Z. We win again. I just had to rub it in.”
Nas’ role in the $5 billion Queens casino project
Nas holds equity in Genting Resorts World’s $5 billion proposal, which promises more than just gambling. The ambitious project includes:
- Live table games like blackjack, craps, and poker
- A state-of-the-art concert hall
- A sports academy partnered with Queens hoops legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith
Nas has emphasized that the development represents more than business—it’s a boost for his hometown. “This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent, and build up the next generation of leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours,” the rapper said.
JAY-Z’s Times Square casino bid rejected
Meanwhile, JAY-Z’s Caesars Palace Times Square bid—backed by SL Green Realty and Caesars Entertainment—was struck down in a 4-2 vote by the Manhattan community advisory committee. Opposition from the Broadway League and neighborhood residents sealed its fate, as many argued a Times Square casino would disrupt the area’s cultural and residential balance.
In fact, all Manhattan casino proposals were rejected, leaving boroughs like Queens, The Bronx, and Brooklyn as the frontrunners.
What’s next for New York casinos?
The next step lies with the Gaming Facility Location Board, which will review approved bids before the New York Gaming Commission awards licenses. By year’s end, up to three casino licenses will be granted. Other competitors still in play include:
- Bally’s in The Bronx
- The Coney in Coney Island
- A Mets–Hard Rock collaboration near Citi Field
For now, though, Queens has bragging rights—thanks to Nas.
