Resorts World New York City projects $2.5 billion contribution to MTA by 2029 if casino license approved

Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has projected that it will deliver $2.5 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over the next four years if granted one of New York’s full commercial casino licenses. The figure exceeds the $1.8 billion the MTA has budgeted to receive from three downstate casino license fees and associated tax payments between 2026 and 2029.

According to RWNYC, the contribution is achievable if the New York Gaming Facility Location Board selects its proposal by December 1, 2025, followed by the Gaming Commission issuing the license by December 31. Under this timeline, RWNYC could begin full casino operations by March 2026.

The company said it plans to pay a $600 million upfront license fee and $1.9 billion in tax payments to the MTA across four years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion. The MTA has forecasted casino-related revenue of $500 million in both 2026 and 2027, $600 million in 2028, and $200 million in 2029.

Following the withdrawal of MGM Yonkers from the licensing race, RWNYC would become the only operational full-scale casino in Downstate New York, including New York City.

The property estimates that it could contribute $2 billion in tax revenue to public education and $2.5 billion to the MTA between 2026 and 2029. Other greenfield proposals, the company noted, are not expected to begin operations before mid-2030.

“This is not just a casino expansion. It's a transformative economic development project that will keep New York City moving in every way,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. “Resorts World New York City is the only bidder who can deliver a steady flow of new revenue for the MTA starting in 2026. This is a promise to the MTA and the people who rely on it that we are here to provide support.”

Further to funding for transit, RWNYC stated that its expanded operations would provide $2 billion for New York’s public education system and $500 million to the New York Racing Association (NYRA) to support the state’s equine industry. The company said these contributions would build on nearly $5 billion already allocated to education since 2011, as well as billions directed toward equine programs that have sustained tens of thousands of jobs.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. highlighted the local importance of the investment. “Every Queens family deserves fast, high-quality public transportation, no matter their ZIP code or socioeconomic status. But ensuring that the necessary funding to build that kind of network is in place has been a challenge for as long as mass transit has existed in New York City,” he said.

“The planned expansion of Resorts World New York City will inject critical capital into the MTA at a time when conversations around the future of public transportation swirl the loudest, and I'm deeply grateful to the Resorts World team for their commitment to Queens' commuters.”

“This investment from Resorts World isn't just about gaming — it's about growth,” said State Senator James Sanders Jr. “We have a safe bet with one project that will provide support to the MTA right away. Resorts World's contributions to the MTA will allow us to focus on the people's work and expand accessibility.”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato described the project as a direct investment in public infrastructure. “This is exactly the kind of investment New York and our local communities need — one that actually makes a difference for public transit,” she said.

“The fact that Resorts World's expansion can provide this much support to the MTA on its own is a testament to the leadership we've seen from them for 14 years. This proves what we already knew: Resorts World is the only project that can truly deliver for our commuters.”

Assembly Member Alicia L. Hyndman also welcomed the company’s plans, saying: “Private-sector support for our public works has never been more essential. Resorts World has stepped up to fill the gap and will continue to do so. Their expansion shows what responsible corporate citizenship looks like.”

“For years, we've heard promises about big projects that would help our neighborhoods but Resorts World is actually delivering,” added Betty Braton, Chair of Community Board 10 in Queens. “They've engaged the community every step of the way to improve accessibility at Aqueduct. Now, they stand to take that to an entirely new level.”

The new integrated resort would see Resorts World’s current workforce expand from 1,000 existing employees to 5,000 permanent jobs across gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, security, maintenance, and other fields. Resorts World has stated that more than half of the new hires would come from Queens alone, with all workers due to begin work within the first six months of commercial casino operations.

The project would also create an estimated 5,000 union construction jobs to help build out the integrated resort. The full property will feature a 500,000 square-foot gaming floor comprising more than 6,000 slot machines and 800 table games. The resort would additionally feature 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, over 30 food and beverage outlets, and more than 7,000 parking spaces.