Casino News

Queens Hospital Back Casino for Full-Scale License

This week, the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, New York City, issued a statement to support a local casino in the pursuit of a full-scale commercial gaming license. The hospital explained that Resorts World New York City has been a valuable partner and generous supporter of the neighbourhood and wants to see it expand to a fully-fledged gaming property.

Currently, the Empire State is in the process of awarding three full-scale commercial licenses to the downstate region. In January, the Gaming Facility Location Board, which will have a say on the winning candidates, started the process of Request for Applications. Hence allowing interested parties in submitting their casino bids. Winners should be announced by the end of 2023.

Big Time Partner to the Neighbourhood

Jamaica Hospital Medical Centerā€™s statement was compiled by Joseph Ferrara who is the chairman of the board of trustees at the establishment and Bruce J. Flanz is president and CEO. In the press, they noted that the casino has an immaculate record of boosting the local economy while also giving back to community organizations. It provides well-paying jobs, which attract new residents to the area.

The two pointed out the gaming facility has become an economic force in the neighbourhood and the whole state, as it is the highest-grossing gambling venue in New York. The statement added that it generated over US$3.7 billion in revenue for the stateā€™s lottery education initiative since it launched in 2011. It also provided over US$5 million to local charities and organizations.

Furthermore, the statement remarked that over the years, the casino made several general contributions to the hospital. Between 2011 and 2019, it provided funding to the many clinical services and programs at the hospital by supporting the orthopedics, trauma, hospice and emergency medicine departments. Thus, enabling help for all kinds of patients.

According to the hospital, during the unprecedented situation of 2020, the casino was among the first businesses in the region to reach out to it and ask how can it support its front-line workers. Then it donated thousands of meals to the hospital staff while also delivering personal protecting gear to protect them. Now, the establishment voices its full support for the casino property.

Is the Casino Among the Frontrunners?

Resort World New York City is believed to be almost nailed on to get one of the three licenses, due to already being a Class II casino and having community support behind it. Last year, CGS-CIMB Research said the Genting Malaysia property is among the favourites to get one of those non-tribal licenses. Due to being able to quickly expand to a full-scale venue.

On top of that, RWNYC also has local communities behind it. In March 2021, Queens community groups and organizations voiced their support for the expansion of the casino amenity. Groups want to see the property get a full-scale license, allowing it to add live table games, and bring more revenue and stable jobs to the region.

Source: ā€œResorts World Casino: A proven community partner and the right choice for a full-scale casino licenseā€ QNS, May 17, 2023