Proposed Plan for RWNYC Features a 7000-seat Arena and Additional Features
Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has thrown its hat in the ring for a full-scale integrated resort casino license in New York State, with a proposal that promises to transform its existing Aqueduct electronic gaming facility in Queens into the largest casino resort in the state.
The ambitious project, valued at $5.5 billion, is expected to be operational by mid-2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The proposal is currently competing with seven other applicants for one of the three new downstate casino licenses that the State Gaming Commission aims to award by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Key details of the RWNYC proposal include:
Job Creation
The redevelopment is projected to create more than 5,000 union construction jobs during the building phase. Post-expansion, the permanent workforce would increase from 1,000 to 5,000 employees. RWNYC has committed that at least half of the new hires will come from Queens. The lead company, Genting New York, already employs a workforce that is over 80% people of colour and nearly 50% women, making it the largest employer of Hotel and Gaming Trades Council members in the region.
Economic Impact and Contributions
The resort anticipates contributing more than $1 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over the first five years of full commercial operations. Since opening in 2011, RWNYC has contributed over $4.5 billion to New York's public education system. The resort expects new state revenue from expanded gaming operations as early as July 2026, with table games and full slot machine operations launching within six months of license approval.
Project Scale and Features
The resort would cover 5.6 million square feet on a 73-acre site. Facilities include 6,000 slot machines, 800 table games, 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena, 30+ restaurants and bars, a luxury spa, and over 7,000 parking spaces. More than a dozen acres of public green space are also planned for community benefit.
RWNYC has already secured land-use approvals for the new casino project. If granted a full commercial casino license, the operator estimates that the project would create up to 24,000 jobs across construction and operations. The resort is confident that its established presence and extensive redevelopment vision will make it a front-runner for one of the limited downstate casino licenses.
If successful, the Resorts World New York City expansion project is expected to significantly boost local jobs, contribute substantial funds to education and transportation, and stimulate New Yorkβs economic and tourism landscape.
The Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) expansion project, including a casino and gambling facilities, is anticipated to significantly grow the local workforce, with the potential creation of up to 24,000 jobs across construction and operations. If approved, this integrated resort casino will contribute over $1 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and expected new state revenue from expanded gaming operations as early as July 2026.
