As New York inches closer to awarding full commercial casino licenses downstate, Resorts World New York City has laid its cards on the table — and they’re big. The operator today presented a $5.5 billion plan to the state’s Community Advisory Committee that would transform its current Queens property into New York’s largest fully integrated resort by July 2026.
If approved, the 73-acre Aqueduct site would become a 5.6 million-square-foot destination, home to 6,000 slot machines, 800 table games, a 2,000-room hotel, a 7,000-seat arena, more than 30 dining venues, a full-service spa, 7,000 parking spots, and community greenspace.
Renderings released with the proposal also appear to show Crockfords, the luxury hotel brand that debuted in the U.S. as part of Resorts World Las Vegas and is tied to Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio. If confirmed, this would mark Crockfords’ New York debut and suggest continued collaboration on the luxury front at Genting's gaming resorts.
“When it comes to completion and operational risk, Resorts World New York City stands uniquely as almost risk-free,” said Kevin Jones, chief legal and strategy officer at Resorts World, in a statement citing the project’s ready-to-go approvals and construction timeline.
“We're proud to have grown with the Queens community for nearly 15 years. 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,” Robert DeSalvio, Genting Americas East president, added in a statement.
Since opening in 2011, RWNYC has grown into a significant economic engine for New York State. According to the company, it has generated more than $4.5 billion in revenue for public education, contributed $2 billion to the horse-racing industry, and sent $200 million to the New York Lottery. The expansion would increase those contributions, while also creating up to 24,000 jobs.
The company says the resort will maintain its focus on well-paying union jobs, noting that it is the largest employer of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO, with salaries averaging $80,000 and more than 80% of workers identifying as people of color.
The proposal goes beyond hospitality and gaming and pledges $50 million to launch the Resorts World Innovation Campus, which will include the Jet Center, led by two-time NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith, a community wellness center, and a STEAM institute. RWNYC has also partnered with Cirrus Workforce Housing to help develop up to 50,000 units of affordable housing citywide.
Resorts World operates major integrated resorts in Las Vegas and Singapore. The New York City proposal mirrors elements of both — combining large-scale entertainment and gaming with elevated accommodations and a strong community component. In Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa has long been a crown jewel of the Genting portfolio, featuring theme parks, hotels, and fine dining. Its Las Vegas counterpart, which opened in 2021, includes Crockfords alongside Hilton and Conrad hotels under one roof.
With land-use approvals already secured, Resorts World says it is ready to begin construction as soon as it receives a license. If selected, the new Queens resort could open in summer 2026.
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