Courtesy Perkins Eastman/Resorts World New York City

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Since its opening in 2011, Resorts World New York City has been a prominent fixture in
the Queens skyline, marking a historic chapter in New York City’s gaming industry.
Located within the Aqueduct Racetrack complex in Jamaica, Queens, Resorts World was
the first legal casino to open in New York City and remains the only casino within the
five boroughs. The casino was a long-awaited project, following decades of debates over
gambling expansion in the state. The facility originally debuted as a video lottery
terminal-based racino, offering 6,500 slot machines. Over time, it has evolved into a full-
fledged gaming resort, with a Hyatt Regency hotel and plans to expand further.

Owned by Genting Malaysia Berhad, the casino quickly became a major revenue
generator for New York State, helping fund public education through its tax
contributions. The complex spans 330,000 square feet of gaming space and features four
automated table games, including baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette, alongside a
range of slot machines. As the first Resorts World property built in America, it set the
stage for the brand’s future developments, bringing a touch of luxury and high-end
gaming to the city.

Now, nearly 14 years after its debut, Resorts World New York City is preparing for a $5
billion expansion that could transform the site into one of the largest entertainment and
hospitality destinations in the country. The proposed expansion, which would be subject
to approval by the New York State Gaming Commission, includes plans for a massive
350,000-square-foot casino floor, a new 1,600-room hotel, and entertainment venues, all
poised to reshape the future of Queens.

The centerpiece of the proposed expansion would be a sprawling 350,000-square-foot
casino floor, potentially making it one of the largest in the U.S. Alongside the expanded
gaming space, a new 1,600-room hotel under the Crockfords brand would offer luxury
accommodations, bringing the total number of rooms at Resorts World New York City to
2,000. This hotel expansion could make the resort the largest hotel in New York City,
surpassing even some of the city’s most iconic properties.

“Resorts World New York City came into our community more than a dozen years ago,
and every day since has been a dedicated neighbor who shows up, hears our feedback,
and responds to our needs,” Betty Braton, Chair of Queens Community Board 10 said.

In addition to the expanded gaming and hospitality offerings, the proposal includes the
development of a 7,000-seat arena for concerts and live events, a wellness center, and
more than 30 new dining and retail options. A significant portion of the expansion would
also be dedicated to public spaces, with more than 10 acres of parks, trails, and bike paths
aimed at enhancing the community’s access to green space.

The project’s impact would not be limited to tourism and entertainment. Resorts World
New York City plans to incorporate a range of community-oriented features, including a
$50 million investment in the Genting Innovation Center, which will house the Kenny
“The Jet” Smith Academy, a Community Health and Wellness Center, and a Queens
STEAM Institute. Additionally, a large portion of the development would focus on
workforce housing, with 3,000 new units of affordable, union-built housing planned for
the area.

Michelle Stoddart, Sr. VP of Community Development at Resorts World New York City,
highlighted that the proposed expansion would greatly benefit both the Queens
community and the city at large. The development plans, including additional hotel
rooms, a 7,000-seat event space, and commercial table games, would boost tourism,
create new business opportunities, and attract more visitors to the area, especially with its
proximity to JFK Airport. The team has worked closely with the community board,
incorporating feedback to ensure alignment with local needs. The goal is to submit the
application and begin the project within six months of approval, marking a long-awaited
milestone after 14 years of planning.

“Economically, it will bring more tourism,” Stoddart said. “It will bring more
opportunities to small businesses on this side of town and certainly in terms of the
community that has seen their proximity to JFK, it just opens up opportunity for more
business to pass through and to stay in Queens.”

The ambitious expansion is being backed by notable partners, including Grammy-
winning Queens rapper Nas and NBA Champion Kenny Smith, who have lent their
names and voices to promote the project’s potential to uplift the borough.

“This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working
families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent, and build up the next generation of
leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours,” Nas said.

If approved, the expansion would create 5,000 union construction jobs and thousands of
permanent union jobs once the project is completed. Resorts World New York City has
pledged that more than half of these jobs would be filled within the first six months of
operations, providing a much-needed economic boost to the region. The expansion is also
expected to generate significant new tax revenue for New York State, further supporting
public services, including education.

Local residents and business owners have expressed cautious optimism about the project.
Many are hopeful that the expansion will bring increased tourism and economic vitality
to Southeast Queens, an area that has historically struggled with unemployment and
underdevelopment. However, some community advocates are pushing for assurances that
the project will deliver on its promises to local workers and residents, particularly in
terms of affordable housing and job creation.

In total, Resorts World New York City’s proposed expansion could drastically alter the
economic and social landscape of Queens. With a projected price tag of $5 billion, the
project is one of the largest entertainment developments in New York City in recent years
and could solidify Resorts World New York City’s status as a major player in the global
casino and hospitality industry.