Resorts World NYC Could Rapidly Transform to Traditional Casino
Posted on: July 1, 2025, 06:55h.
Last updated on: July 1, 2025, 06:55h.
- Genting says it can convert Queens venue to Las Vegas-style casino within six months
- It’s one of the frontrunners for one of the three downstate licenses
Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) could convert to a Las Vegas-style casino hotel in just six months if it wins one of the three downstate licenses to be awarded in the city.
Operator Genting Malaysia Bhd made the proclamation in a recent statement formally announcing the company’s $5.5 billion bid for one of those highly coveted permits. Backed by rapper Nas among many in the Queens community, Resorts World New York could shorten its odds of winning one of three licenses by presenting regulators with a short timeline to conversion and opening the doors on a standard casino hotel.
(This) 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,” said Genting Americas East President Robert DeSalvio, in a statement.
From that, it can be inferred operators bidding for the downstate permits expect regulators to announce the winners by the end of this year. That’s possible, but the process has also dragged on longer than expected in New York.
Resorts World New York Viewed as Leader
Resorts World New York opened in in October 2019 and over that time, the venue has contributed mightily to state coffers. That long operating history coupled with extensive track records of job creation and tax contributions prompted rampant speculation the venue is one of the clear leaders for one of the downstate licenses.
The same is true of MGM’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers, implying the six other competitors for the permits are actually vying for one permit, not three. New York regulators haven’t commented on that matter. Genting is doing what it can to shorten its odds of victory.
Those efforts include a May announcement regarding a partnership with Cirrus Real Estate Partners that could bring up to 50,000 affordable housing units across New York City. That effort is said to be exclusive of the casino proposal. RWNYC converting to a destination casino, which would be one of largest privately funded economic development projects in New York State history, could be bolstered by location.
“RWNYC’s 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.”
Six Months Feasible for Resorts World New York
Getting full slot operations and table games up and running at Resorts World New York within six months of license awarding isn’t a stretch simply because the venue has existing infrastructure. That potentially gives it and Empire City a leg up on rivals that are proposing from-the-ground-up venues.
The more rapidly a property can execute its conversion and get table games operational, the faster it can expand its employee base and send more tax dollars to the city and state — something that could be on the minds of the regulators tasked with awarding the three permits.
“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.
Last Comments ( 2 )
800 tables games??? That’s what the article says???
They should never get another casino gaming license ever again. Kt Lim proved how corrupt he was by hiring Scott Sibella and his cronies to run Resorts World Las Vegas. He also let criminals gamble there with no discretion. What a giant mistake that was. He should stick to Malaysia, he doesn't understand the American market. They should not get a license in NY period!