Two casino projects in New York City’s metropolitan area advanced significantly after receiving unanimous support from their respective Community Advisory Committees (CACs). Resorts World New York City in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers became the first downstate contenders to move forward in the competition for three state-issued casino licenses.

Resorts World Expansion Moves Ahead in Queens

The Queens CAC voted in favor of a $5.5 billion redevelopment plan from the Genting Group, which currently operates Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack. The proposal outlines a massive expansion including 6,000 new slot machines, 800 table games, 2,000 hotel rooms, 7,000 parking spaces, and over a dozen acres of public green space. Officials estimate that the development will generate 24,000 jobs, 5,000 of which will be permanent positions.

“Queens gets the money. Sorry, Jay-Z,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, referencing the rejected Times Square casino bid backed by the Brooklyn-born rapper. As reported by The City, Richards emphasized the economic benefits, adding, “Queens is truly getting the money because it’s thousands of jobs.”

Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, expressed his gratitude: “On behalf of the entire Resorts World team, I want to thank the Community Advisory Committee for recognizing the impact we will have not only on Queens but all of New York City and State.” He highlighted the widespread community support, noting that no one had spoken against the project.

The Adams administration has also voiced support but stressed the importance of addressing housing needs on the Aqueduct site. “The broader Aqueduct site represents one of our city’s greatest opportunities for new housing, and we encourage the applicant to work closely with the state to advance an accelerated strategy for new housing on the site,” said City Hall spokesperson William Fowler.

Meanwhile, another Queens casino proposal remains on the table: Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International are pursuing a project near Citi Field. That plan faces criticism from some residents who worry about environmental and social consequences, although it has also garnered political backing. A vote on that proposal is scheduled for Sept. 30.

MGM Empire City Gains Support in Yonkers

In Yonkers, the CAC also voted unanimously in favor of MGM Empire City’s bid to expand its existing racino into a full-service casino. The $2.3 billion proposal calls for an 863,500-square-foot facility featuring 183 live dealer games, 14 new restaurants and bars, a 5,000-seat entertainment venue, and a renovated gaming floor.

“A casino license is a good deal for New York State, for Westchester County, and especially for Yonkers,” said James Cavanaugh, chair of the CAC and appointee of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

MGM officials welcomed the decision, highlighting the casino’s long-standing role in the community. “For more than 100 years, Yonkers Raceway and Empire City have been intertwined with the City of Yonkers,” said Taryn Duffy, vice president of MGM Northeast Group. “We look forward to continuing to drive well-paying jobs for local residents and providing hundreds of millions of dollars in annual education revenue to the State of New York.”

Empire City, which has been running video slots since 2006, is already considered one of the most profitable racinos in the country. According to casino expert Alan Woinski, “They’ve brought in more without table games than most casinos in Las Vegas do. The fact that they’re so successful already means they deserve it.”

If approved, MGM Empire City expects to break ground within months of licensing, with gaming operations starting in 2027 and full completion by 2029. The expansion is projected to add 2,000 permanent jobs, create a fund for local small businesses, and channel 80% of its tax revenue to the New York State Education Fund.

The approval of both projects marks a milestone in New York’s downstate casino licensing process. Earlier this month, proposals in Manhattan — including Mohegan’s Freedom Plaza, Caesars’ Times Square bid, and Wynn’s Hudson Yards project — were all rejected by their advisory committees.

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board will now evaluate the winning bids, including supplemental applications with proposed tax rates. Final decisions on which projects will receive licenses are expected later this year from the State Gaming Commission.