Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) anticipates contributing $2.5 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over the next four years, contingent on receiving one of New York’s commercial casino licenses. This amount surpasses the MTA’s projected $1.8 billion in revenue from the licensing fees and related taxes from three downstate casinos between 2026 and 2029.
RWNYC asserts that this financial commitment is feasible if the New York Gaming Facility Location Board approves their proposal by December 1, 2025, followed by the Gaming Commission granting the license by December 31. If this schedule is met, RWNYC plans to commence full casino operations by March 2026.
The company intends to pay an upfront license fee of $600 million and an additional $1.9 billion in tax payments to the MTA over four years, culminating in the total investment of $2.5 billion. The MTA to date projects casino-related revenues of $500 million for both 2026 and 2027, $600 million in 2028, and $200 million in 2029.
With MGM Yonkers stepping out of the competition for a license, RWNYC would position itself as the sole operational full-scale casino in Downstate New York, including New York City.
The venue estimates it could allocate $2 billion for public education and $2.5 billion to the MTA from 2026 to 2029. Other proposed developments are not expected to launch operations before mid-2030, as noted by the company.
“This isn’t merely an expansion of casino services; it is a significant economic development initiative that promises to sustain New York City’s momentum in numerous ways,” stated Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. “Resorts World New York City stands as the only bidder prepared to deliver a consistent influx of new revenue for the MTA starting in 2026. This is a commitment to the MTA and those who depend on it that we will provide our support.”
Moreover, in support of transportation funding, RWNYC claimed that its expanded operations could yield $2 billion for New York’s educational system and $500 million to the New York Racing Association (NYRA) to bolster the state’s equine industry. The company has noted these contributions would complement nearly $5 billion allocated to education since 2011, alongside billions directed toward equine programs sustaining tens of thousands of jobs.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. underscored the local relevance of this investment. “Every family in Queens deserves prompt, quality public transit, regardless of their ZIP code or economic standing. However, obtaining the necessary funds for constructing such a network has posed challenges throughout the history of mass transit in New York City,” he remarked.
“The anticipated growth of Resorts World New York City will inject vital capital into the MTA during a period when discussions regarding public transit’s future become increasingly urgent, and I am immensely appreciative of the Resorts World team’s commitment to commuters in Queens.”
“This investment from Resorts World transcends mere gaming — it represents growth,” asserted State Senator James Sanders Jr. “We can count on this project to provide immediate benefits to the MTA. Resorts World’s contributions will enable us to prioritize public service and enhance accessibility.”
Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato classified the initiative as a direct investment into public infrastructure. “This is precisely the type of financial input that New York and our communities require — one that makes a tangible impact on public transit,” she stated.
“The potential of Resorts World’s expansion to provide this level of support to the MTA independently illustrates the outstanding leadership we’ve seen from them over the past 14 years. This reaffirms what we have known: Resorts World is uniquely positioned to deliver solutions for our commuters.”
Assembly Member Alicia L. Hyndman welcomed the company’s intentions, expressing, “Private-sector involvement in our public infrastructure has never been more crucial. Resorts World has stepped up to bridge this gap and will continue to do so. Their expansion exemplifies responsible corporate citizenship.”
Betty Braton, Chair of Community Board 10 in Queens, added, “For years, we’ve heard promises regarding grand projects that would support our neighborhoods, but Resorts World is genuinely making strides. They have continuously engaged the community to enhance accessibility at Aqueduct, and this expansion will elevate these efforts significantly.”
The newly integrated resort plans to increase Resorts World’s workforce from 1,000 existing employees to 5,000 permanent positions across various sectors, including gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, security, and maintenance. The company has indicated that over 50% of the new positions will be offered to residents from Queens, with all employees expected to begin working within the first six months of casino operations.
The project is also anticipated to create around 5,000 union construction jobs to facilitate the development of the integrated resort. The complete property will encompass a gaming area of 500,000 square feet featuring over 6,000 slot machines and 800 table games. Additionally, the resort will provide 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, over 30 dining options, and more than 7,000 parking spaces.