Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has revealed a $5bn plan for the redevelopment of its Queens casino into a “world-class” entertainment resort.
RWNYC detailed the plans at the end of February, with launch bolstered by the presence of rap icon and Queens native Nas, as the group develops a Las Vegas-style casino. The venue will include retail spaces, 1,600 new hotel rooms for casino patrons, a 7,000-seat performance space and 3,000 employee housing units.
The development’s success is dependent on RWNYC being awarded one of three available casino licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission. Currently, RWNYC only has a license to accept wagers on horse racing and slot machines whereas a casino license would allow Las Vegas-style table games.
“We’re proud to have grown with the Queens community for over a decade. When we stood here more than a dozen years ago to break ground on Resorts World New York City, our vision extended well beyond that already-ambitious original plan – today, that vision can soon become reality,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East.
“Since we opened in 2011, we have been proud to work with New York City and State and the local community to deliver thousands of good-paying union jobs; billions of dollars in tax revenue to New York’s schoolchildren; and true partnership to hundreds of local non-profits. With the advent of the newly imagined Resorts World New York City we can, and will, do far more.”
Nas added: “This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent, and build up the next generation of leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours.”
If given the go ahead, the company says that the new development would increase its workforce four-fold to 5,000 permanent union jobs. The project would also create 5,000 union construction jobs as it plans to expand its casino floor to 350,000 square feet.
According to RWNYC, community engagement has been an essential pillar of its operations and the new destination is a direct answer to more than a decade of listening, understanding, and responding to the needs of the surrounding community.
As a result, the proposal includes over 10 acres of publicly-accessible greenspace, large scale meeting rooms, a ballroom and conference spaces.
“Resorts World New York City came into our community more than a dozen years ago, and every day since has been a dedicated neighbour who shows up, hears our feedback, and responds to our needs,” said Betty Braton, Chair of Queens Community Board 10.
“They have been with us in good times and tough times ever since, giving both financial support and their time to this community. I know this partnership will only continue as Resorts World answers the immediate needs but also presents a vision for the future.”
