Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioThe New York casino licensing process has continued this week with a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hearing for the $5.5 billion Resorts World New York City casino bid in Queens on June 21.
Resorts World’s Chief Legal and Strategy Officer, Kevin Jones, led the presentation by the developer team, which promised immediate economic benefits, rapid construction, and strengthened community ties.
If it wins one of the three available licenses, Resorts World’s parent company Genting would convert the existing racino at the former Aqueduct Racetrack into a full-scale casino.
The developers emphasized the property’s 15-year presence in the community. During that period, it has contributed over $4.5 billion in tax revenue to the state.
Casino Could Open by Mid-2026
One of the key selling points for the Resorts World proposal is its ability to open a full-scale casino quicker than any other competitor.
The development team touted that it could complete the conversion in just six months. They claim the existing casino floor is capable of accommodating 4,000 slot machines and 250 table games.
“We already have the environmental reviews, zoning approvals, and permits in hand,” Jones said. “This means we can begin construction immediately and generate jobs and tax revenue by next year.”
If it receives a license, Resorts World could open its casino by mid-2026, at least a year ahead of any of the eight casino bidders. In comparison, the other racino in the running, MGM Empire City, is targeting a mid-2027 opening.
Following the first conversion phase, Resorts World New York would begin a broader expansion. By 2030, it will grow into the largest casino in the US, featuring 6,000 slot machines and 800 tables.
Resort World Promises Massive Economic and Social Investment
Jones emphasized that the 73-acre site of the project is much larger than any other casino bid. That size allows Genting to maximize the value of the license and the state to generate the most economic activity.
The space will enable the developer to construct:
- 500,000-square-foot casino
- 2,000-room hotel
- 7,000-seat arena
- Over 30 restaurants and bars
- 12 acres of public green space
- Approximately 7,000 mostly covered parking spaces.
Resorts World Vice President Patricia Griffith informed the committee that the expansion will create 5,000 permanent union jobs and 5,000 union construction jobs. Additionally, the project is expected to create 14,000 indirect, permanent jobs throughout New York.
Griffith stated that over half of the company’s current 10,000 employees are local and are paid above average. That’s thanks to union partnerships.
“Our team members’ median wage is $39 an hour. When you factor in benefits, that compensation reaches nearly $150,000 a year,” she said.
“We have existing collective bargaining agreements and a signed project labor agreement in place. We are the only bidder in this application process that can say that.”
Diversity, Education, and Small Business Focus
According to Stacy Roland, Resorts World’s SVP and General Counsel, the company operates with the most diverse workforce of any US casino. She emphasized the company’s support for minority and women-owned businesses.
Roland emphasized that Resorts World New York has exceeded its promised commitment in supporting these businesses.
Resorts World has also partnered with local institutions, including York College, to offer related courses. Roland referenced the Southeast Queens Business Incubator. That’s a 12-week course for local entrepreneurs, inspired by State Sen. James Sanders Jr., one of the six members of the CAC.
Committee Member Questions
Some CAC members raised questions about transparency, traffic, and long-term community oversight, to which the developers provided answers.
Borough President Donald Richard Jr. asked details on residence data, projected revenue, and business partnerships.
CAC member Stevens Martinez raised questions and requested data on Long Island employee data and regional impact.
Other questions and comments include Assemblywoman Stacy Weber’s request for a public listing of community benefit recipients and Council member Betty Brighton’s inquiry about employee longevity and career advancement.
Resorts World representatives stated that they will provide additional data for the raised questions, including in a supplemental filing by September.
What are the Next Steps?
After hearing Resorts World’s pitch, the CAC must schedule two public hearings and hold a final vote by September 30. Each hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to weigh in on the proposal. Based on the feedback, CAC members can suggest amendments to the project’s plan.
For the application to advance to the next step in the process, it must receive a two-thirds majority approval. That translates to four out of the six members.
If it receives approval from the CAC, the Resorts World application will advance to the Gaming Facility Location Board for a final review. After all applications are reviewed, the Board will announce the winners. The expectation is for the announcement to be made by the end of the year.
According to the Board’s website, the next CAC hearing will be for the bid by Caesars Times Square on July 23. The remaining four applicants (possibly three as Bally’s is facing a setback) have not received a hearing date.
