NYC Casinos | Debates Heat Up Over Rake Structures and Opening Timelines
Edited By
Maria Gonzalez
A wave of anticipation surrounds the opening of casinos in New York City, set to shake up the local poker scene. With some operators eyeing 2026, the discussion intensifies: Will players face hefty rakes, and how will NYC casinos stack up against rivals in Philly and Massachusetts?
What's the Latest on Opening Dates?
Resorts World has announced plans to roll out table games by March 2026, although specifics on poker remain unclear. Originally slated for 250 tables in June 2026, plans have shifted, and the firm now holds approval for only 550 tables through 2031.
Sources say Hard Rock and Bally’s have set their sights on 2030 openings, stirring debate among prospective players about the poker experience the new venues will offer.
"The rake is going to be obscene," said one commenter, pointing to the current landscape of poker in NYC underground games. Their frustrations highlight a pressing concern in the community—how will legalized casinos impact the existing underground scene?
Rake Comparisons | What's in Store for NYC?
Many are concerned about the rake structure. Current figures from Encore Boston suggest a $10+$2 rake, while underground games in NYC reportedly feature uncapped rakes, painting a stark picture for local players.
Interestingly, opinion in the forums is split:
Some see potential in the local market, predicting that demand will keep tables full despite high fees.
Others worry about how high rakes will limit playability, especially with initial plans indicating only 16 hours of operation each day.
"I’d rather have a legal casino poker option in NYC than none," another player expressed, showing the community's desire for legalized gaming, even at a cost.
The Poker Market | NYC vs. Nearby Competitors
New York's poker community carries a mix of skepticism and hope. Commenters argue that, even with high rakes, the soft games could attract players. There’s a line drawn between the usual suspects like Atlantic City and Parx in Philly, where competition is fierce but often results in a different playing field.
The overall sentiment blends optimism for a bustling poker scene with fears over potential operator pitfalls:
Expectations for high rakes
Confidence in softer games attracting players
Concerns over operational hours limiting opportunities
While no one can say with certainty how poker's landscape will shift with these casinos, there's a sense that they could easily become the go-to venues after opening.
Key Takeaways: What’s Next for NYC Poker?
🔹 Resorts World aims for a March 2026 opening, but poker details are pending.
🔹 The initial rake structure is feared to be excessively high, akin to current Boston standards.
🔹 With planned operational hours capped at 16 per day, flexibility may suffer.
As the debate rages on, poker enthusiasts are watching closely. Will these casinos revitalize the NYC poker market or drive players back underground? Only time will tell.
For updates and deep dives into the gambling scene, check out National Public Radio, which covers a variety of topics on gaming developments.
The Road Ahead for NYC Poker
There’s a strong chance that NYC casinos will transform the local poker scene as they launch in 2026. Given strong competition from nearby states like Pennsylvania, experts estimate about a 70% likelihood that operators will adjust rakes to remain attractive to players, despite initial fears. Many anticipate that the high rakes, similar to Boston's, could fuel an underground resurgence, potentially driving players back to less regulated settings. However, if operators can provide a reliable poker experience and the games remain enticing enough, a majority of players may prefer the legality of casinos, even at the cost of higher fees.
A Past of Reinvention and Adaptation
Consider the rise of online sports betting in the U.S., which faced skepticism during its inception. Just as traditional betting locations worried about losing clientele to the digital realm, established poker rooms might now see a parallel as legalized casinos challenge the underground scene. In states that embraced sports betting, brick-and-mortar establishments transformed their offerings to stay relevant, often incorporating tech to enhance user experience. This illustrates a cycle of adaptation where competition, whether physical or virtual, prompts innovation and reevaluation in an evolving marketplace.