City and state leaders are preparing to begin the process of awarding up to three full-scale table-gaming casino licenses in downstate New York. These new licenses, which will allow for live dealers at table games, such as blackjack, poker, and roulette, offer enormous potential for the New York economy, local job growth, and for increased government revenue to fund education and other vital government services. However, with expanded gaming, there also comes greater social responsibility from gaming operators to serve their surrounding communities. With the importance of community growth, development, and empowerment in mind, I am proud to give my unequivocal support to Resorts World New York City. They have walked the walk and talked the talk. 

As the executive director of the Jamaica YMCA, I have witnessed firsthand, for more than a decade, the positive impact that Resorts World New York City has had on community life for Queens-area residents, particularly those in traditionally underserved communities. During this past Thanksgiving, for instance, Resorts World New York City helped the Jamaica YMCA provide meals for those in need. Through its continual financial support, Resorts World New York City also has enabled the Jamaica YMCA to host numerous events, such as our annual two-day community basketball tournament and golf outing, as well as to offer programs and services, such as youth summer camps, swim lessons, dance classes, teen leadership initiatives, afterschool programs, and adult literacy efforts. 

Resorts World New York City has hosted events as well, such as the Crooner Music Fest. This concert, which featured R&B artists Ginuwine and 112, and violinist Damien Escobar, directly benefited the Jamaica YMCA, with all proceeds from the concert going to our annual campaign fund. In total, the Jamaica YMCA serves more than 10,000 people in the community, of which 7,000 are youth. Our ability to meet the needs of so many individuals would be near impossible without the generosity and backing of strong community partners such as Resorts World New York City. 

Beyond its direct support of the Jamaica YMCA, Resorts World New York City has served our community through its “Resorts World Gives” initiative and its “Good Neighbor Network.” To date, the “Resorts World Gives” initiative has provided over $3 million to more than 200 local nonprofit organizations. These organizations help in countless ways to serve those in need, such as through coat drives in the winter and through food drives. The “Good Neighbor Network” has helped nonprofit organizations and community groups by connecting them to one another and to members of the community, including to volunteers and donors. The Resorts World Red Wall Art Gallery, for example, helps by connecting local artists, photographers, and others to the larger community by providing them with a space to display their work.   

Furthermore, Resorts World New York City has stepped up for the community when times have been most difficult. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Resorts World New York City allowed for use of its space for COVID-19 testing. When Superstorm Sandy caused massive devastation to communities throughout the New York City area, Resorts World New York City worked with the city’s Office of Emergency Management to allow the Red Cross to use its employee parking lot as a dispatch center for its emergency disaster relief efforts. Through its deeds and actions, Resorts World New York City has kept its promise to be a good neighbor and a committed local partner, even during the toughest times. 

Finally, Resorts World New York City has generated billions in tax revenue for the state’s education fund. This has helped our students and teachers in tangible and concrete ways. The added revenue provides money for laptop computers for students, school lunches for those in need, and teacher pay, which allows New York to offer competitive salaries. With better schools, we give our youth and teens the best chance to reach their full potential, improving the future of our communities.

In closing, Resorts World New York City has proven itself to be a trusted community partner since it first opened its doors twelve years ago. Rather than just take from the community, Resorts World New York City has given back to make Queens, especially the Jamaica section of Queens, a better place to live for everybody. As New York moves forward with expanded gaming, it bears repeating that this will come with expanded social responsibility. Resorts World New York City has proven itself ready and able to meet that challenge.

Cedric Dew is the executive director of the Jamaica YMCA located in Central Queens. The Jamaica YMCA serves a diverse community, offering programs for both children and adults, ranging from dance lessons to sports classes to summer camps.