Resorts World application seeks standardized tax rates for New York casinos

Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is seeking a standardized tax structure for all downstate casinos once competitors being operations, according to its official supplemental application for a commercial gaming license, countering reports that the operator had asked the state to lower its own proposed tax rates.

In its application submitted in October, Resorts World proposed paying 56% on slot machines and 30% on table games, well above the state minimums of 25% and 10%, respectively. Rival proposals from Metropolitan Park and Bally’s Bronx both set table-game taxes at 10%, with Metropolitan Park proposing 25% on slots and Bally’s 30%.

A provision in Resorts World’s filing says the company would accept those higher rates until competing casinos begin operations, but wants the state to apply the same tax rates across all operators once the other projects come online. “If other Downstate Licensees open with lower tax rates on slots or tables, RWNYC’s tax rate should also be lowered because all proposed sites are close together and the same tax rate should apply to maintain a level playing field and avoid cannibalization,” the company said.

The clarification follows reports last month alleging that Resorts World was lobbying the state to reduce its rates after filing its application. The company denied seeking any changes beyond what was already stated in the supplemental documentation.

Resorts World said it has no issue paying 56% and 30% until Metropolitan Park and Bally’s open their casinos, which both developers expect to come online by 2030. Resorts World has said it could open full casino operations by March 2026 if awarded a license.

All three bids cleared a key milestone last week when the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board approved them, leaving the final selection to the New York State Gaming Commission, which is expected to decide before year-end.

Local business leaders have voiced support for Resorts World’s proposal. Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, called the company “an incredible partner to all of Queens,” adding that “the billions of dollars in tax revenue that will build on their status as the state’s No. 1 taxpayer.”

Across New York, the state’s four upstate casinos pay a uniform 10% on table games, while a 2021 law change allowed them to petition for slot-tax reductions to 30%, which all four have since adopted.