Legendary rapper and Queens native Nas is the latest cultural icon to make a power move into New York’s casino scene, and he’s not just showing up; he’s betting on the borough that raised him.
In a video posted to his Instagram, Nas officially announced his partnership with Resorts World New York City, backing their $5.5 billion proposal to turn their current Queens racino into a full-scale casino.
With the New York State Gaming Commission preparing to award three highly coveted downstate casino licenses, Nas believes the future of gaming in NYC should start in Queens.
“History in the making. Let’s build something legendary for the community. Let’s bring the future home,” he wrote.
From Illmatic to Economic Impact
It’s a full-circle moment for Nas, who grew up just miles from the Resorts World site near JFK. Now, he’s lending his voice and cultural cachet to an expansion plan that promises to transform the property into a 5.6 million-square-foot resort complex.
The plan includes live-dealer table games, retail sports betting, luxury hotel rooms, a world-class concert venue, and thousands of union jobs for the community.
In the video, Nas walks through the existing casino, narrating over images of the proposed site. He signs a symbolic license application, closes a sleek briefcase, and declares: “It’s time to invest in us.”
For Nas, this isn’t just about gambling, it’s about legacy. About revitalizing Southeast Queens with economic opportunities, career pipelines, and billions in tax revenue. As he puts it: “In Queens, the future is now.”
Hip-Hop Heavyweights Go Head-to-Head
Nas isn’t the only rapper rolling the dice on New York’s casino future. Fellow legend Jay-Z is backing a competing $5.4 billion bid to bring a Caesars Palace to Times Square, partnering with SL Green Realty and Caesars Entertainment through his Roc Nation company.
The battle for casino supremacy between the two former rivals is adding even more intrigue and star power to an already heated bidding war.
Jay-Z and Rev. Al Sharpton have vocally supported the Times Square project, pitching it as an entertainment hub that pays homage to the culture of NYC and offers community ownership opportunities.
Meanwhile, Nas and Resorts World are focused on expanding an existing operation that already funnels billions into education and public services.
Stakes Are High
Eight total bids were submitted before the June 27 deadline. With only three licenses available, each proposal is now under review by Community Advisory Committees and local zoning boards.
Final decisions from the New York Gaming Facility Location Board are expected by December 1.
From rappers and reverends to NBA players like Isaiah Whitehead, public figures are stepping up to back bids and rally public support.
And in Nas’ case, it’s personal. “Resorts World has been here for 15 years, investing in Queens. I’m proud to help bring the next chapter to life — for the people, by the people,” he said.
A Billion-Dollar Bet on the Borough
According to Resorts World, their expansion would be shovel-ready by July 2026, bringing immediate impact in job creation and public funding. And with Nas in the mix, they’ve got more than a celebrity endorsement; they’ve got a hometown hero turning vision into value.
So while the board holds the final hand, Nas is all in.
