Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is enhancing its gaming offerings by introducing 1,400 additional slot machines as part of its ambitious $5.5 billion expansion plan. A groundbreaking ceremony for the next phase of this initiative is also set to take place today, Wednesday.
This expansion will feature a new gaming area on the first floor, which includes a Dragon Den that boasts 114 titles from Aristocrat and 48 Dragon Link machines.
Additionally, the redevelopment will kick off its second phase today, which encompasses a 400-room hotel tower and a 7,000-seat entertainment venue.
Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, stated, “Since our opening, our slot machines have been a hit, generating over $230 million in gross gaming revenue within just 11 weeks. The addition of these 1,400 new games will allow us to serve more guests and increase tax contributions to the state.”
This latest expansion is part of RWNYC’s long-term redevelopment strategy, which aims to establish a 350,000-square-foot casino featuring 6,000 slot machines, 800 live table games, 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, and over 10 acres of public green space. Once completed, it is projected to be the largest casino in the United States.
Currently, Resorts World New York City employs around 2,200 individuals, with the expansion expected to generate between 500 and 2,700 new jobs by the end of summer. Officials anticipate that the expanded casino will contribute approximately $10.8 billion in state and local tax revenue during its first decade of operation.
Since its inception in 2011, the company has contributed more than $5 billion to New York’s public education system, alongside commitments of $2.5 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and a $2 billion community benefits package.
The expansion follows the introduction of live table games on April 28, marking RWNYC’s transition from a racino to a full-fledged commercial casino.
Recent data from the New York State Gaming Commission indicates that gross gaming revenue from table games more than doubled, rising from approximately $4.9 million in the first reporting week to over $10.4 million by the week ending July 12. Meanwhile, weekly slot revenue has remained stable, fluctuating between $20 million and $22 million.
Overall, combined weekly gaming revenue increased from $27.2 million to around $30.8 million, highlighting that the growth has primarily stemmed from improved performance in table games.
The New York State Gaming Commission has also granted full casino licenses to two additional operators. Steve Cohen and Hard Rock are set to develop the Metropolitan Park casino complex near Citi Field in Queens, while Bally’s plans to construct a casino at Ferry Point in the Bronx.
Resorts World, which is owned by Malaysia’s Genting Group, has an advantage as it already operates a casino at the location, whereas the other licensees will be constructing new facilities that will take years to complete.
In the meantime, Bally’s Bronx is moving forward with its development after acquiring the Ferry Point site for $157 million in February and has filed construction permit applications for the proposed resort, which is expected to open in 2030.
Pre-construction work for Metropolitan Park began in February, although local reports in May suggested that the project is several months behind schedule. Developers have assured that these delays will not impact the planned opening in 2030.