UPDATE: Resorts World New York City has just announced an ambitious plan to construct New York’s largest fully integrated resort, with a staggering budget of $5.5 billion. The project aims for a grand opening in July 2026, promising to generate up to 24,000 jobs and hundreds of millions in tax revenue for New York State and the MTA.
This groundbreaking proposal was presented earlier today to the six-member Community Advisory Committee in Queens, marking a significant milestone for the casino operator. The resort will transform the 73-acre Aqueduct site into a massive 5.6 million-square-foot entertainment hub, featuring 6,000 slot machines, 800 gaming tables, and 2,000 hotel rooms.
Officials stress the immediate economic impact, with Resorts World President Robert DeSalvio emphasizing, “What the Community Advisory Committee heard today was a vision for a transformative project that will be a game-changer for this borough, the city, and the state.”
The integrated resort will also include a 7,000-seat arena, over 30 food and beverage outlets, and expansive greenspaces. All necessary land-use approvals are already in place, allowing construction to commence as soon as a commercial license is granted.
Kevin Jones, Resorts World’s Chief Legal and Strategy Officer, highlighted the low-risk nature of this project, noting, “Resorts World New York City stands uniquely as almost risk-free.”
The community is set to benefit from more than just jobs. Resorts World has committed to investing in local initiatives, including a joint venture with Cirrus Workforce Housing to create up to 50,000 units of workforce housing across the city. The proposal also includes a new Resorts World Innovation Campus, featuring a health and wellness center and a STEAM institute.
Since its inception in 2011, Resorts World New York City has been a significant player in the state’s economy, contributing over $4.5 billion to the public education fund and sending more than $2 billion in tax revenue to the horse-racing industry. The casino has also invested in various community programs, totaling over $10 million to support arts, education, and economic development.
With the potential for such extensive job creation and community benefits, the urgency of this proposal cannot be overstated. Local residents and officials are encouraged to engage with the plans as they evolve, with expectations that the project will not only revitalize the area but also enhance the overall quality of life in Queens.
Stay tuned for further updates as Resorts World New York City prepares to embark on this historic venture.
