One Year to the Day After Groundbreaking, 2,485 Video Lottery Terminals and Electronic Table Games, Aqueduct Buffet, Dynamic Food Court and Bar 360 with Queens Largest TV Go On Line

New Workforce Proudly Provides Exemplary Customer Service and Promise of a Brighter Future for Local and State Economy

Tens of thousands of enthusiastic visitors today joined elected officials, community leaders and hundreds of new employees to be among the first to experience the brand new Resorts World Casino New York City (RWNY) in South Ozone Park, Queens.  The casino officially opened to the public at 1 pm today, following a ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating the tremendous progress the venture represents for the surrounding community.

“We are incredibly grateful to the leaders of the State of New York and the Lottery for allowing us the privilege of opening this wonderful facility,” said KT Lim, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Genting Group, the parent company of Resorts World., “Since breaking ground a year ago, we have had the extraordinary experience of working with a dedicated group of government, civic and political leaders, a tremendous construction crew and a welcoming community.”

Guests entered the racetrack casino under an extraordinary “Light of Nations” sculpture, featuring 193 individual hand-blown glass bulbs representing each of the United Nations member countries around the globe and highlighting the international essence of Resorts World Casino New York City.  On the floor of the Times Square Casino, visitors experienced the thrill of 2,485 diverse Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) and Electronic Table Games (ETGs), sipped cocktails at the glamorous Bar 360 Lounge while enjoying panoramic views of Aqueduct Racetrack from the heart of the gaming floor, and sampled the myriad culinary offerings at the Aqueduct Buffet.  Throughout the day, guests were attended to by an enthusiastic staff, nearly 70 percent of whom come from the local community and were carefully selected and trained from a pool of 41,000 applicants. 

"We are thrilled to welcome the public to this extraordinary new entertainment venue  which will permanent employ 1,350 New Yorkers, of which 89 percent are either minority and women,” said Michael Speller, President of Resorts World New York. “ With 41,000 applicants for these 1,350 jobs, Resorts World New York City will work hard with the State and leadership to find more ways to create even more jobs – as many as tens of thousands – on our site as soon as possible. Today’s grand opening was the chance for our employees to share with first of many guests the truly unique exerience of Resorts World Casino New York City "

Guests arrived from the nearby JFK International Airport, the Q37 bus stop – located on the property - and via the A Train  North Conduit subway stop.  By the end of 2011 the property will feature a new covered skybridge connecting the Aqueduct MTA station directly to the casino. 

A day of first-class gaming and entertainment was enjoyed by all and the anticipation of even more amenities coming in the next six weeks was palpable. By the end of the year, Resorts World will unveil the 5th Avenue Casino and Crockfords Casino on the second floor featuring 2,515 additional VLTs and ETGs; the Central Park Events Center housing the largest event space in Queens; and new upscale signature dining options like RW Prime Steakhouse and the authentic Chinese-themed Genting Palace.

More information on RWNY is available at www.rwnewyork.com.

Resorts World Casino New York City (Resorts World) is the first entertainment destination of its kind in the five boroughs of New York City.  Resorts World is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, and the world’s largest Destination Resorts operator. Genting has Resorts World-branded properties in Asia, Europe, North America and on all four oceans through the 50% ownership of Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises brands. Genting’s international strategic partners include Universal Studios and Simon Property. The company has a combined market capitalization of $45 billion and employs more than 50,000 people worldwide.