Resorts World New York pitches $5.5 billion expansion in bid for downstate casino license

Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has unveiled a $5.5 billion proposal to transform its existing Queens facility into a full-scale resort and entertainment complex. The project, if approved, would become the largest among the eight bids submitted for one of three downstate casino licenses up for grabs, according to officials.

On Monday, RWNYC presented its plan to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), outlining a 5.6 million-square-foot development on the 73-acre Aqueduct site. The project is touted as the largest of all the bids in terms of site size, build area, and casino floor area.

The proposal includes 6,000 slot machines, 800 table games, 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena, more than 30 dining options, a spa, and over a dozen acres of green space. The operator also committed to adding over 7,000 parking spaces to accommodate future guests.

“What the Community Advisory Committee heard today was a vision for a transformative project that will be a game-changer for this borough, the city, and the state,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East. “Since Resorts World was granted operations of the Aqueduct site in 2010, we have sought to be a neighbor that Queens deserves.”

RWNYC highlighted its long-standing contributions to New York’s economy, noting that since 2011, it has generated $4.5 billion for the state’s public education fund, $2 billion in tax revenue for the horse-racing industry, and $200 million for the state lottery. The operator estimated that, if granted a commercial license, the property will create up to 24,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in additional tax revenue.

The company’s team, joined by celebrity chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Scott Conant, who plan to open venues at the resort, highlighted the proposal’s readiness. All required land-use approvals are already secured, allowing construction to begin immediately upon licensing. 

The project could be operational by July 2026, according to the company. “When it comes to completion and operational risk, Resorts World New York City stands uniquely as almost risk-free,” said Kevin Jones, the company’s Chief Legal and Strategy Officer.

Beyond economic impact, RWNYC also pointed to its community involvement. The company has pledged $50 million to establish the Resorts World Innovation Campus, which would include a health and wellness center, a STEAM institute, and a youth development space led by former NBA player Kenny “The Jet” Smith. 

Through its philanthropic initiative, Resorts World Gives, the operator has invested over $10 million into local development causes. The casino is also the largest employer of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, with over 1,000 union jobs averaging $80,000 in annual salary.

In partnership with Cirrus Workforce Housing, RWNYC is also helping finance the construction of up to 50,000 units of affordable housing across the city.

Resorts World is competing with several major entities for the three downstate licenses, including MGM Resorts, SL Green with Roc Nation and Caesars Entertainment, and a joint bid by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, which has proposed its own $8 billion project nearby. RWNYC’s proposal stands out as the largest by site size and scale.

The next step in the process requires the CAC to vote on the proposal by September 30. Final decisions from the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, including licensing approvals, are expected in December.