A Nas-backed plan for a Resorts World Casino in Queens has taken one giant step closer to the finish line, as it and two other New York City casino plans were approved by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board.
The decision was announced by board chair Vicki Been at the CUNY Graduate Center on Monday (Dec. 1). Nas was in attendance, and proclaimed it "a great day in New York City."
The last remaining hurdle for the three plans is approval from the state Gaming commission, which is expected. There is still public opposition, however. After the decision was announced on Monday, protesters chanted, "Shame on you!"
In early 2024, Nas joined the Resorts World plan to turn an existing Queens "racino" into a full-fledged casino.
“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,” Nas said at the time.
His former rap rival Jay-Z backed a competing Times Square proposal, but that one was rejected earlier this year.
The other two casino proposals that moved to the next stage on Monday were one backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen for a casino next to Citi Field; and a Bally's Casino in the Bronx. The last of these has a tie to Donald Trump, as Bally's promised to pay the president's business $115 million if the casino becomes reality, as part of a deal where the Trump Organization sold its interest in a public golf course that will become part of the new casino.