The application deadline has come and gone for three downstate casino licenses, and Resorts World NYC is the frontrunner to secure one of these coveted licenses.
Resorts World Has a Track Record of Success
Located at Aqueduct Racetrack, they, along with another local slot parlor and casino contender, the Mohegan Sun-owned Empire Casino in Yonkers, appear to be uniquely qualified to land two of the three casino licenses. Both are operating as we speak, without the table games and other amenities that would allow each property to transform into a world-class full casino destination.
A Head Start Over Competition
The others would require years of construction before allowing the betting public to fully enjoy their facility, but Resorts World has been heralded as the most successful “casino” in the nation sans the table games. The Malaysian-based Genting gaming company operates Resorts World and has been doing so for over a decade.
The company plans to reinvest in the community should it be awarded a license and plans to spend $5.5 billion to transform its slot parlor into a world-class gaming tourism destination.
Genting America East President Robert DeSalvio said, “Fifteen years ago, Resorts World made a promise to turn this site into an economic engine for Southeast Queens, New York City, and New York State. And we succeeded, now generating more casino revenues and taxes each year than any other commercial casino in the U.S. Today is a major milestone for us to propose the world-class Resorts World Integrated Resort and further commit to this partnership and provide new career opportunities and tax revenue almost immediately, as soon as July 2026.”
Hit the Ground Running
The number of bidders has dropped from 11 to eight for three downstate casino licenses. The projects from each bidder are worth billions, but Resorts World is one of two area slot parlors that could hit the ground running the moment they get the word.
“RWNYC’s (Resorts World New York City) proposal leverages its long community ties with a global approach, transforming Queens into the strongest gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destination in the United States,” according to Genting. “The 73-acre project will deliver world-class amenities that service the local community, the tri-state region, and international travelers, including many of the 63 million passengers who travel through nearby JFK airport every year.”
Massive Expansion Plans
The company also announced that the project would include thousands of local area jobs and local affordable housing units that would be created by Genting and its partner Cirrus Real Estate Partners.
“An estimated 5,000 union construction jobs would be created to realize an integrated resort with a total of a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor with 6,000 slots and 800 table games; 2,000 hotel rooms; a 7,000-seat entertainment venue; more than 7,000 car spaces; over 30 food and beverage outlets; large-scale meeting space; other resort amenities; and more than 10 acres of community greenspace,” said Genting of its Queens plans.
Competing Projects and Political Support
Although other notable projects include Mets owner Steve Cohen’s and Hard Rock International’s $8 billion Citi Field project and Mohegan Sun’s Freedom Plaza vision on the East Side, the Resorts World project has the support of the community and some powerful legislators.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo, who chairs the Committee on Gaming, Racing, and Wagering, is a Resorts World supporter and stated, “Resorts World has consistently shown that they’re a good neighbor and a strong community partner. They’ve been a major economic driver for South Queens, creating jobs and investing in the neighborhoods around them.”
