Resorts World Casino in Queens begins major expansion

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - This time, the house is on your side. Nearly six years after opening its doors, New York City's only casino is going for the jackpot.

"I would say the casino here - really is phenomenal, in terms of the size of the casino and the current amenities," said Scott Molina, the president of Resorts World Casino New York City. "But we really wanted to make it a fully integrated resort."

Resorts World Casino, located in Jamaica, Queens, on Thursday placed a big bet by breaking ground on its $400 million expansion.

"I'm proud to announce the second phase of the development of the property," Molina said. "One that will make Resorts World Casino New York City the ultimate play, stay, dine, shop destination."

While it is still in the early design phases, here is what you can expect.

The expansion will include a 400-room hotel with five-star suites, four new dining spots including a celebrity chef restaurant, retail shops for access to local goods, and a new arrival experience for guests.

And of course, Phase 2 will also add space for more gaming, including brand-new market technology.

"We have millions and millions of people leaving this local community going down to Atlantic City, going up to Connecticut, going to Pennsylvania. There is no reason why they shouldn't come here," Molina said. "If we build this casino the way that we've designed it, there's no reason for anyone to leave this area."

The expansion project is scheduled to be completed mid-2019. And not only is it expected to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in local revenue, but it will also add more than 1,000 jobs for New Yorkers.

"Steps away from JFK Airport, we look forward to the expanded hotel," Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said. "We look forward to the folks coming here and spending their money right here in the city of New York."