7 Shocking Facts About The $7.5 Billion World Casino New York Mega-Project

The landscape of New York City's entertainment and gaming industry is on the brink of a monumental transformation. As of December 2025, the race for New York State's three highly coveted downstate commercial casino licenses has reached its final stages, with the existing Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) in Queens emerging as a frontrunner with a staggering, multi-billion-dollar proposal. This is not just a casino expansion; it is a bid to create the largest integrated resort in the entire United States, fundamentally redefining entertainment in the Northeast.

The project, often colloquially referred to as the "World Casino New York" due to its operator, the Genting Group, is poised to convert the current Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) facility into a full-scale commercial casino with live table games. The sheer scale of the proposed development—in investment, job creation, and expected revenue—has placed it at the center of the state's economic development plans.

The Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) Mega-Project at a Glance

The "World Casino New York" project is officially known as the Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) expansion. It is a proposal submitted by Genting Americas East to secure one of the three available New York downstate casino licenses.

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• Operator/Company: Genting Americas East (a subsidiary of the Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group).
• Executive Leadership: Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East.
• Location: Jamaica, Queens, New York City (at the site of the existing Resorts World New York City VLT facility).
• Proposal Value: $7.5 Billion (Supplemental Application Proposal).
• Total Size: 5.6 million square feet (proposed Integrated Resort).
• Current Status: Recommended by the state Gaming Facility Location Board and is one of three remaining contenders for a license.
• Anticipated Decision: Expected by the end of 2025.

The Race for the Downstate Casino Licenses

The competition for the three downstate New York casino licenses is one of the most intense and high-stakes bidding wars in the history of US gaming. The licenses are a crucial part of New York’s strategy to boost revenue and economic activity in the post-pandemic era, with each license commanding a minimum $500 million fee.

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) has narrowed the field to a select group of proposals, with the RWNYC expansion being a key contender. The advantage for Resorts World is its existing infrastructure and proven track record as a successful gaming facility, currently operating as a Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) casino.

The state's decision-making process involves a rigorous evaluation of the economic impact, community support, and overall quality of the proposed integrated resorts. The three contenders that have advanced to the final licensing stage, alongside Resorts World New York City, include Bally's Bronx and the Hard Rock Metropolitan Park proposal.

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Securing one of these licenses would allow Resorts World to upgrade its offerings significantly, transitioning from VLTs to a full commercial casino that includes the highly lucrative live table games, a feature currently prohibited at the site. This transition is expected to unlock billions in new revenue for the state and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

7 Shocking Facts About the RWNYC Mega-Project

The Resorts World New York City expansion is one of the most ambitious development proposals in the state’s history. Here are seven facts that highlight the monumental scale and potential impact of the project, which is often dubbed the "World Casino New York."

1. A $7.5 Billion Supplemental Proposal

The most recent and shocking figure associated with the RWNYC bid is the $7.5 billion supplemental proposal submitted to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board in October 2025. This massive investment aims to transform the existing property into a sprawling Integrated Resort (IR). The initial investment into the Queens property by Genting already exceeded $1 billion, making the total commitment staggering.

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2. The Largest Integrated Resort in the U.S.

If approved and fully realized, the 5.6 million-square-foot Resorts World New York City would become the single largest integrated resort in the entire United States. The term "Integrated Resort" signifies a complex that goes far beyond a traditional casino, combining gaming with extensive non-gaming amenities like luxury hotels, retail, dining, and entertainment venues.

3. A 7,000-Seat Entertainment Arena

A central feature of the expansion plan is the construction of a new, state-of-the-art 7,000-seat entertainment arena. This venue would host major concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances, significantly boosting Queens' profile as a major entertainment destination and attracting millions of visitors annually.

4. Massive Gaming Floor Expansion

The conversion to a full commercial casino will bring a dramatic increase in gaming capacity. The new facility is proposed to house 6,000 slot machines and 800 live gaming tables. This would cement its status as a major regional gaming hub, drawing traffic not only from New York City but also from the broader tri-state area.

5. A $2.5 Billion Windfall for the MTA

One of the most compelling arguments for the RWNYC expansion is its projected financial contribution to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). New projections from October 2025 forecast that the expanded resort will send an estimated $2.5 billion to the MTA over the next decade. This funding is critical for maintaining and upgrading New York City's vital public transit system.

6. 2,000 New Luxury Hotel Rooms

The current Resorts World facility lacks on-site hotel accommodations, a major limitation for a world-class destination. The $7.5 billion plan includes the addition of 2,000 new luxury hotel rooms. This significant lodging capacity is essential for supporting the convention business and leisure travel associated with a major integrated resort.

7. Immediate Live Table Games (Within 90 Days)

Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, has stated that the company expects to host live table games within 90 days of receiving the full commercial license. This rapid deployment capability is a major advantage for the state, which is eager to see the economic benefits and tax revenue start flowing as quickly as possible. The ability to quickly transition from VLTs to a full-service casino is a key differentiator for the RWNYC bid.

Topical Entities and Key Players in the New York Casino Bidding

The "World Casino New York" saga involves a complex web of government entities, corporate players, and financial figures. Understanding these entities is key to grasping the full scope of the downstate casino licensing process.

Genting Group: The massive Malaysian multinational corporation that owns and operates Resorts World properties globally, including the existing RWNYC. Its subsidiary, Genting Americas East, is the direct applicant for the downstate license.

New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC): The regulatory body overseeing all gaming activities in the state, including the licensing process.

Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB): The specific board within the NYSGC tasked with evaluating the downstate casino proposals and recommending the winners.

Integrated Resort (IR): The model for the proposed facilities, which mandates a mix of gaming (casino) and non-gaming amenities (hotels, retail, entertainment, convention space) to maximize economic and tourism benefits.

Video Lottery Terminal (VLT): The current form of gaming at Resorts World New York City, which operates slot-like machines based on lottery outcomes, without live table games. The new license will permit a transition to full commercial casino gaming.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA): The New York public transit agency that is a major beneficiary of the tax revenue generated by the existing and proposed Resorts World facility, with billions projected to be contributed.

The ultimate decision on the downstate casino licenses will not only determine the future of the Resorts World New York City property but will also set the stage for a new era of tourism and economic development across the entire New York City region. The $7.5 billion "World Casino New York" proposal is a clear signal that the Genting Group is committed to dominating this new market.