Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has officially submitted its ambitious $5.5 billion expansion proposal to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), marking a critical step in its pursuit of one of three downstate commercial casino licenses in New York. The planned development would convert the existing electronic gaming facility at the Aqueduct site in Queens into the largest fully integrated casino resort in the state.

The presentation, delivered before a committee featuring key political figures including Senator James Sanders and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato, positioned Resorts World as a front-runner among the eight bidders competing for the highly coveted licenses. Genting’s U.S. arm, Genting New York LLC, is leading the proposal, which it says could deliver transformative benefits to the city, state, and local community.

Massive project aims to be operational by mid-2026:

The planned 5.6 million-square-foot resort would sit on a 73-acre parcel and include 6,000 slot machines, 800 table games, 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena, more than 30 restaurants and bars, and over 7,000 parking spaces. The design also features a luxurious spa and over a dozen acres of public green space.

During the CAC meeting, Kevin Jones, Genting Americas’ Chief Legal and Strategy Officer, emphasized RWNYC’s unique readiness: “When it comes to completion and operational risk, Resorts World New York City stands uniquely as almost risk-free.” The operator already has all required land-use approvals in place and is prepared to begin construction immediately upon licensure. The resort could be partially operational as early as July 2026, with the remaining facilities completed in phases through 2030.

World-renowned chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Scott Conant joined the presentation, as both are expected to bring new culinary concepts to the site. The team also played a video message from Queens native and rapper Nas, underscoring the resort’s connection to local talent and community pride.

Resorts World is currently the largest employer affiliated with the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO, and pays full benefits with average salaries of $80,000. Over 80% of staff are people of color, and nearly half are women, with most employees living within five miles of the facility. Should the expansion proceed, the company estimates the creation of 24,000 jobs.

As the company highlighted in a press release, since opening in 2011, RWNYC has contributed more than $4.5 billion to New York’s public education fund, alongside $2 billion to support the horse racing industry and $200 million toward lottery operations. If granted a full commercial license, company officials say annual revenues could rise to $2.2 billion by 2027, bringing in close to $1 billion in tax revenue annually—though official updated projections are still pending.

As a philanthropic partner in Queens, the company has pledged $50 million to launch the Resorts World Innovation Campus. This initiative includes the Jet Center, led by NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith, a Community Health and Wellness Center, and a Queens STEAM Institute. RWNYC also recently partnered with Cirrus Workforce Housing to fund up to 50,000 affordable housing units across New York City.

Competitive field and licensing timeline:

Resorts World’s expansion bid is one of the largest in terms of site footprint, build area, and proposed casino floor space. The existing site’s proximity to JFK Airport, through which over 63 million travelers pass annually, adds further appeal to international visitors and tourists.

The competition remains fierce, with major players including MGM Resorts’ Empire City in Yonkers, Caesars and Roc Nation’s Times Square concept, and a proposed $8 billion development from Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock near Citi Field. Of these, Resorts World and MGM are uniquely positioned with operating racinos and built infrastructure, giving them a potential time-to-market advantage.

The deadline for proposal submissions was June 27, and CAC approvals must be secured by September 30. Following that, applicants can propose a tax rate to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board. Final licensing decisions are expected by the end of 2025.

While Resorts World’s plan has garnered considerable praise for its economic impact and readiness, the company faces reputational challenges stemming from its Las Vegas counterpart. Resorts World Las Vegas was recently fined $10.5 million by Nevada regulators for historic anti-money laundering failures, an issue the company has yet to fully address in public forums.

Still, Genting Americas East President Robert DeSalvio remains confident in the Queens proposal. “During my career, I’ve seen world-class gaming markets in places like Las Vegas, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia,” he said. “But I have never seen an opportunity comparable to what lies before us right here at Resorts World.”