At the primary public listening to for Resorts World New York City’s (RWNYC) $5.5 billion on line casino growth proposal, held at Queens Borough Hall, over 40 audio system unanimously endorsed the mission. The listening to, organized by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), marks a key step as Resorts World vies for one of many three obtainable downstate on line casino licenses.
Community Overwhelmingly Supports Expansion
RWNYC, situated on Rockaway Boulevard, has operated as the town’s solely on line casino since 2011. Now, the operator seeks to remodel its present 73-acre property into the most important on line casino within the United States, with plans for a 500,000-square-foot gaming flooring that includes 6,000 slot machines and 800 stay desk video games. The proposal additionally features a 7,000-seat enviornment, a 2,000-room lodge, 30 eating choices, an innovation middle, and 12 acres of public inexperienced area.
According to the Queens Daily Eagle, Tom Grech, CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the mission’s financial potential, stating, “Resorts World also strengthened Queens’ small business ecosystem by prioritizing local vendors and encouraging guests to shop and dine locally. Their expansion will bring sustainable growth, strengthen local businesses and invest directly [into Queens].”
The growth, if permitted, is projected to generate as much as 24,000 jobs — 10,000 direct jobs, together with unionized building positions, and a further 14,000 oblique jobs.
A Decade of Community Ties
The listening to showcased the sturdy relationship Resorts World has constructed with the Queens neighborhood over its 15 years of operation. Local leaders and nonprofit representatives praised the on line casino for its ongoing assist and philanthropic efforts.
“Resorts World has been there and continues to be an important part of our success and the success of other tiny non-profits throughout Southeast Queens,” stated Greg Mays, founder and govt director of A Better Jamaica.
Other organizations echoed these sentiments. Ellen Kodadek, govt and creative director of Flushing Town Hall, famous, “Resorts World NYC has helped us expand our reach by promoting our programs to their guests, providing direct financial support, and backing important borough-wide initiatives like Queens Rising.”
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s CEO, Bruce Flanz, emphasised Resorts World’s charitable contributions to vital healthcare companies. “Over the years, they have donated much-needed funds to support many of our clinical services and programs in our hospital,” Flanz stated, including that the hospital absolutely helps the bid for a full on line casino license.
Next Steps within the Licensing Process
The CAC, chaired by Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, additionally consists of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator James Sanders, Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton, Governor Kathy Hochul’s consultant Stevens Martinez, and Nicole Garcia from NYC’s Department of Transportation. Four of the six members should vote in favor of the mission for it to advance to the New York State Gaming Commission.
Resorts World, emphasizing its operational expertise and present infrastructure, argues it might open its expanded amenities as early as July 2026 — years forward of some competing initiatives. “We have the fastest speed to market of anyone, and we have the ability to open in six months from licensure by next summer,” stated Kevin Jones, Chief Strategy and Legal Officer at Resorts World.
The firm has additionally dedicated $1.5 billion towards neighborhood advantages, together with $150 million for infrastructure upgrades, $50 million for an innovation campus, and $25 million for its charity program, Resorts World Gives.
As a part of preparations for workforce progress, Resorts World will launch the Resorts World Career Center at Jamaica Station on Sept. 16, providing info on employment alternatives. A Dealer Experience Center, providing seminars and coaching for gaming careers, can even open on the on line casino.
A second public listening to for the mission is scheduled for Sept. 15 at Queens Borough Hall. Final suggestions from the CAC are due by Sept. 30, with the state anticipated to announce the three license recipients by the tip of 2025.
