Resorts World Casino in New York City has just revealed an ambitious $5 billion expansion plan, this proposal aims to transform Southeast Queens into a vibrant entertainment destination, complete with a concert hall and various other amenities. The casino is making a strong push to secure one of the three full-fledged gaming licenses being offered by the state, solidifying its position as a leading contender in the race.
The lone casino in the city, situated near the Aqueduct Race Track aims to boost its chances with the state by proposing to create 10,000 jobs once applications officially launch this year. Securing a license would enable them to broaden their offerings from machine activities to include table games, like blackjack and poker.
The group responsible, for the Resorts World Casino in Queens expansion proposal showcased their plans at the casino during a gathering that included Queens-raised rapper Nas renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson and a line-up of community leaders such, as Borough President Donovan Richards and State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr.
Nas said, “This project is ambitious and will provide chances for the dedicated families residing in Queens to draw in top-notch talent and nurture the leaders. It’s evident that, with this endeavor the world is, at our fingertips.”
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What are the plans for Resorts World Casino’s Queens expansion?
The unveiled vision outlines significant expansions for Resorts World Casino. Plans include enlarging the casino floor to an impressive 350,000 square feet, positioning it among the largest globally, as noted by Resorts World. Additionally, the proposal includes the addition of 1,600 new hotel rooms, complementing the 400 rooms already opened in 2021 at the adjacent Hyatt Regency JFK Airport.
An extra 350,000 square feet of conference and entertainment areas are planned, featuring a 7,000-seat arena, a sports academy honoring two time NBA Champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith, a health center and 10 acres of spaces, with walking trails. This expansion has the potential to generate 5,000 union positions in gaming and hospitality along, with 5,000 construction jobs soon as this year.
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Resorts World Casino also introduced a connected proposal called “Aqueduct Park,” which hinges on the merging of horse racing operations, at Belmont Park in Long Island. This consolidation could pave the way for the state to initiate an initiative for the remaining Aqueduct property potentially leading to another project valued at, around $5 billion as revealed by Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East.
He mentioned their aspiration to create “a round the clock neighborhood that enhances the community” once they secure the land. The plan involves constructing 3,000 units of housing allocating 50 acres, for parks and implementing transit enhancements for connectivity to JFK and Manhattan.
“We are delighted to have been a part of the Queens neighborhood, for more than ten years” DeSalvio expressed. “Back when we first gathered here over twelve years ago to start construction on Resorts World New York City our aspirations went beyond the plan – now those dreams are, on the verge of coming true.”
Resorts World Casino will encounter competition from locations throughout the five boroughs, such, as a competing Queens proposal led by Mets owner Steve Cohen along with individual proposals in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Additionally, there are five proposals scattered across Midtown Manhattan with one of them receiving support from Jay Z, who was once a rival of Nas, in the rap scene.
