Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has officially submitted its bid for a commercial casino license to the New York State Gaming Commission, the latest step toward unlocking a $5.5 billion vision built on its longstanding partnerships with Southeast Queens and New York State. The 5.6 million-square-foot proposal reimagines New York City’s only casino as a vibrant, world-class integrated resort for entertainment, gaming, dining, recreation, and expansive public amenities.

“Fifteen years ago, Resorts World made a promise to turn this site into an economic engine for Southeast Queens, New York City, and New York State,” said Robert DeSalvio, President, Genting Americas East. “And we succeeded, now generating more casino revenues and taxes each year than any other commercial casino in the U.S. Today is a major milestone for us to propose the world-class Resorts World Integrated Resort and further commit to this partnership and provide new career opportunities and tax revenue almost immediately, as soon as July 2026.”

Amplifying this effort is Queens-born hip-hop legend Nas, who partnered with RWNYC to produce and narrate the newly released video “It’s About Time”. The video follows Nas through the current facility as he reflects on its legacy and envisions its future, culminating in a symbolic handoff of the final bid to officials in Albany. “In Queens, the future is now,” says Nas in the video. “From our Chairman to our newest employees, we are committed to Queens.”

RWNYC’s proposal leverages its long community ties with a global approach, transforming Queens into the strongest gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destination in the United States. The 73-acre project will deliver world-class amenities that service the local community, the tri-state region, and international travelers – including many of the 63 million passengers who travel through nearby JFK airport every year.

Table game and full-casino slot machine operations could launch within six months of receiving a Gaming Facility License. RWNYC stands out as the lone bid with the sheer size and readiness to drive new incremental revenue almost immediately, for the highest and best value to New York State. An estimated 5,000 union construction jobs would be created to realize an integrated resort with a total of a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor with 6,000 slots and 800 table games; 2,000 hotel rooms; a 7,000-seat entertainment venue; more than 7,000 car spaces, over 30 food and beverage outlets,  large-scale meeting space; other resort amenities and more than 10 acres of community greenspace.

RWNYC will thus deliver one of the largest privately funded economic development projects in New York State history, generating new financial support for schools and mass transit. This pledge is built on RWNYC’s proven track record of delivering for the Empire State, having already sent more than $4.5 billion to the public education system since opening its doors in 2011. Now, the MTA is expected to receive more than $1 billion from RWNYC fees and revenues in the first five years of receiving a license, beginning as soon as next year.

The new integrated resort would see RWNYC’s current workforce expand from 1,000 existing employees to 5,000 permanent jobs across gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, security, maintenance, and other fields. More than half of these new hires would come from Queens alone and begin work within the first six months of commercial casino operations. RWNYC is the single largest employer of Hotel and Gaming Trades Council members, with a workforce that is over 80% people of color and nearly half women. With a median annual salary of $80,000 — which is more than $150,000 with full benefits — these careers offer real opportunities for New York families to build wealth.

That spirit of delivering for the local community is echoed in the Resorts World Innovation Campus, which will include a state-of-the-art Jet Center, led by the two-time NBA Champion and Queens native Kenny “The Jet” Smith; a Community Health and Wellness Center; and a Queens STEAM Institute; as well as the continuation of RWNYC’s corporate philanthropic program, RW Gives.

RWNYC’s proposal reflects a strong collaboration with community partners and elected officials. These partnerships were shaped by an unyielding pledge to foster inclusivity and support local initiatives. This includes investing $50 million back into the community through support of local organizations, charitable efforts, sponsorships, and innovating programs. RWNYC has also invested in infrastructure at the Aqueduct site as well as Jamaica Station. RWNYC recently took this commitment to the next level this year by forming a joint venture with Cirrus Workforce Housing to build up to 50,000 middle-class units. These homes will be across New York City, for families making 80 to 140% area median income, which represents the largest need.

With a proven track record, deep roots in the local community and bold vision for inclusive growth that benefits its neighbors, RWNYC’s unique speed to market can deliver the largest integrated resort in the United States, one of the best in the world, and one that Queens and all New Yorkers can be proud of. The shovel-ready proposal has been designed in collaboration with local leaders and aligned with the needs and aspirations of current and future RWNYC workers and will deliver the highest and best value to the State.

About Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) – is the Big Apple’s only casino-hotel and has generated more than $4.5 billion for the State’s public education system since 2011. RWNYC fulfills the decades-long mission to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into a gaming destination with approximately 5,500 slot machines and electronic table gaming. An average 5 million guests pass through RWNYC’s doors annually, where they enjoy an extraordinary gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport hotel at Resorts World New York City opened its doors — bringing the total investment at the site to $1.1 billion. Guests can choose from several dining options including the recently reopened RW Prime and Good Friends Noodle House. RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resorts in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 60 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.