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 BioResorts World New York City (RWNYC) has urged state regulators to adopt a standardized tax structure for all downstate casinos, once they are all operational, according to its October supplemental application. That contradicts earlier reports that the operator petitioned the state to lower its tax rate after submitting the application.
RWNYC’s application includes a 56% slot tax and 30% table game tax. That’s far above New York’s statutory minimums of 25% and 10%, respectively. By comparison, the other two finalists, Metropolitan Park and Bally’s Bronx, both set a table-game tax at 10%. Metropolitan Park maintains a 25% slot minimum, while Bally’s proposes 30%.
The higher rates are part of a broader, aggressive revenue-generation plan that the company used to convince regulators it can deliver outsized returns under one of up to three downstate licenses.
On December 1, the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board recommended that RWNYC, along with the other two finalists, proceed with licensing.
The New York State Gaming Commission will likely make its final decision by the end of the month.
Resorts World: High Rates are Fine for Now
A provision in the RWNYC October supplemental application states that the company will accept the high tax rates until competitor casinos begin operations. RWNYC has indicated that it can open by mid-2026. That’s years ahead of Bally’s and Metropolitan Park, both of which expect to open in 2030.
The provision stipulates that tax rates should be standard once all casinos are operational. That prevents later entrants from benefiting from lower obligations.
“If other Downstate Licensees open with lower tax rates on slots or tables, RWNYC’s tax rate should also be lowered because all proposed sites are close together and the same tax rate should apply to maintain a level playing field and avoid cannibalization,” Resorts World said in the application.
Multiple news outlets previously reported that RWNYC sought to lower its own rates retroactively, a claim the company has denied. The provision now clarifies the company’s stance: the operator supports uniform taxation across all licensees, not unilateral reductions.
Billions in Promises & Fast Track to Opening
The tax structure is one part of RWNYC’s aggressive bid. The company has also included a $600 million licensing fee, $100 million above the state requirement.
The company has paired its position with one of the largest economic packages in the process. It plans a $7.5 billion expansion, including a $2 billion community benefits plan.
The proposal includes a major entertainment venue, 2,000 hotel rooms, expanded gaming floors, which will eventually grow into the largest casino in the US, as well as new public green spaces.
The company is also committing to major infrastructure initiatives. That includes a $2.5 billion pledge to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over the next four years.
The accelerated 2026 launch timeline has also elevated the stakes. If approved, Resorts World would become New York City’s first full commercial casino years before its competitors. That could immediately reshape the local gambling landscape and bring forward the moment when any standardized tax model would need to take effect.
