RWNYC Proposal Includes 7000 Seat Arena and More

Resorts World New York City has just raised the stakes in the race for a full-scale casino license in the state. The operator has rolled out an ambitious $5.5 billion plan that could completely reshape the Queens entertainment and hospitality landscape.

Good to know

• The proposed resort includes up to 6,000 slots, 800 table games, and 2,000 hotel rooms.
• Resorts World NYC has contributed over $4.5B to New York’s public education fund since 2011.
• The project could bring up to 24,000 jobs to the city.

Genting Americas East, which runs RWNYC, presented the proposal to the state’s Community Advisory Committee. The pitch features a massive integrated resort concept: a casino floor with thousands of gaming positions, a 7,000-seat arena, dozens of dining options, and a luxury hotel component.

Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, emphasized the company’s long-standing connection with the local area and said:

“We’re proud to have grown with the Queens community for nearly 15 years. What the Community Advisory Committee heard today was a vision for a transformative project that will be a game-changer for this borough, the city and the state.”

DeSalvio also pointed to past efforts since taking over the Aqueduct site in 2010, including union job creation and local investment. He said the new plan is part of a promise to go even further.

Construction could begin quickly if a full commercial casino license is granted. RWNYC said it already secured land-use approvals and expects to open the resort by July 2026.

In terms of scale, RWNYC’s proposal stands out from the other contenders. It claims the largest footprint across all current bids, both in total development area and in gaming space.

Beyond the resort’s physical features, the economic impact could be major. The operator estimated that the project would create up to 24,000 jobs across construction and operations. Community benefits were also highlighted, including long-term support for local initiatives.

Resorts World NYC has already contributed more than $4.5 billion to New York’s public education system since launching in 2011. The operator now hopes its track record—and this new proposal—will be enough to win one of the limited downstate casino licenses expected to be awarded soon.