Queens Raps a Win: Nas-Backed $5 Billion Casino Bid at Aqueduct Moves Forward, Triumphing Over Jay-Z's Rejection
Nas Casino Bid Aqueduct Approved: Queens Resorts World $5 Billion Plan with Concert Hall & Sports Academy Introduction: The High-Stakes Game for an NYC Casino License The battle for one of New York City’s coveted downstate casino licenses has become a high-stakes drama, pitting global entertainment moguls against each other in a fierce competition with billions of dollars and significant community development at stake. This week, the narrative took a definitive turn. A $5 billion proposal led by Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) at the Aqueduct Racetrack—a bid famously backed by Queens native and hip-hop legend Nas—was approved by the local advisory committee. This significant step forward came just days after a rival bid, a flashy Times Square project affiliated with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, was rejected. The approval for the Resorts World Aqueduct expansion is more than just a win for a casino; it represents a monumental investment in Southeast Queens, promising a t...