Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has unveiled a $5 billion dollar plan to redevelop its Queens-based casino into a “world-class” entertainment resort.
RWNYC announced its plans on Feb. 29, alongside rap icon and Queens native Nas, for a Las Vegas-style casino, retail spaces, 1,600 new hotel rooms for casino patrons, a 7,000-seat performance space and 3,000 units of employee housing.
Success of the development is dependent on RWNYC being awarded one of three available casino licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission. Currently, RWNYC only has a license to accept wagers on horse racing and slot machines whereas a casino license would allow them to have Las Vegas-style table games.
“We’re proud to have grown with the Queens community for over a decade. When we stood here more than a dozen years ago to break ground on Resorts World New York City, our vision extended well beyond that already-ambitious original plan – today, that vision can soon become reality,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East.
“Since we opened in 2011, we have been proud to work with New York City and State and the local community to deliver thousands of good-paying union jobs; billions of dollars in tax revenue to New York’s schoolchildren; and true partnership to hundreds of local non-profits. With the advent of the newly imagined Resorts World New York City we can, and will, do far more.”
“This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent, and build up the next generation of leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours,” added Nas.
If given the go ahead, the company says that the new development would increase its workforce four-fold to 5,000 permanent union jobs. The project would also create 5,000 union construction jobs as it plans to expand its casino floor to 350,000 square feet.
According to RWNYC, community engagement has been an essential pillar of its operations and the new destination is a direct answer to more than a decade of hearing, understanding, and responding to the needs of the surrounding community.
As a result the proposal includes over 10 acres of publicly-accessible greenspace, large scale meeting rooms, a ballroom and conference spaces.
“Resorts World New York City came into our community more than a dozen years ago, and every day since has been a dedicated neighbor who shows up, hears our feedback, and responds to our needs,” said Betty Braton, Chair of Queens Community Board 10.
“They have been with us in good times and tough times ever since, giving both financial support and their time to this community. I know this partnership will only continue as Resorts World answers the immediate needs but also presents a vision for the future.”
The New York State Gaming Commission launched an RFP process in January 2023, making three downstate land-based casino licenses available. Alongside RWNYC, the runners and riders for the licenses include MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Las Vegas Sands, Bally’s and Wynn Resorts.
