The Resorts World NYC casino proposal was unanimously approved by a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday, meaning it will go to the Gaming Facility Location Board for a final decision.
Key Takeaways
- Resorts World and MGM Empire City both received unanimous votes of approval Thursday.
- Metropolitan Park in Queens is seen as the favorite for a third license.
- Three projects have already been rejected.
The 6-0 vote in support of the Resorts World project came shortly after the Queens CAC’s meeting began at 3 p.m. ET. It was also the second unanimous success Thursday, following MGM Empire City’s around 10 a.m.
“On behalf of the entire Resorts World team, I want to thank the Community Advisory Committee for recognizing the impact we will have not only on Queens but all of New York City and State,” said Robert DeSalvio, president, of Genting Americas East, in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful to the large number of residents, partners, and supporters who touted this project, without a single person speaking against it. This is a testament to our mission - solidified over the last 15 years - to be the best neighbor possible here in Queens.”
Although the process has taken years, committee members spoke highly of Resorts World’s application.
Votes were revealed after the committee pointed out the positive impact that the company has already had given its ties to the community.
“I want to say thank you to the gaming commission, the most professional organization I’ve worked with, thank you all for your leadership,” said Assemblymember and CAC chair Stacey Pheffer-Amato. “To Resorts World New York City, I give an enthusiastic and absolutely ‘Yes,’ to supporting this downstate license and moving you on to the next part of the application.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. noted that “buttons were being pushed” until the final minute.
Richards also took a jab at rapper Jay-Z, whose Times Square bid was rejected at a CAC vote last week. Jay-Z once engaged in a rap battle with Queens rapper Nas, who was involved in the Resorts World project.
“There’s a theme in Queens, and I know that Nas was a part of this, ‘Queens get the money.’ Sorry, Jay-Z, we win again,” said Richards. “You can let the Brooklyn borough president know that I send my regards to him.
Plans for the Resorts World casino
Resorts World’s application outlined a $5.5-billion transformation plan for the proposed site, which will include the largest integrated resort in the U.S.
Additionally, it will lead to the development of 12 acres of new public greenery through a partnership with the community, as well as a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, meeting and event space, and 30 eateries.
The project is expected to create 24,000 new jobs and $1 billion in new incremental revenue during its first year.
The announcement also revealed that Resorts World is welcoming two-time NBA champion, star of "Inside the NBA," and Queens native Kenny Smith to reveal a “state-of-the-art sports and media complex that will serve as the centerpiece of the Resorts World Innovation Campus.”
Plans for the project state the casino will be operational by July 2026 if it is approved by the Gaming Facility Location Board.
Updated NYC casino license race
Resorts World NYC had long been viewed as one of the favorites to receive an operator’s license due to its existing downstate racino. MGM Empire City also has a racino and was expected to receive approval.
A Bally’s project for its Golf Links property at Ferry Point and a Coney Island proposal known as “The Coney” will both see their votes revealed Monday. The Coney is considered a long shot to receive approval after several committee members already pledged to vote against it, and a massive public outcry was received.
Bally’s seemingly has a better chance, although it is currently working to meet a series of amendments that its CAC requested.
Company chair Soo Kim previously said he believed Bally's proposal was being unfairly reviewed due to alleged ties to President Donald Trump, whose organization sold the lease to the golf course to Bally’s for $60 million in 2023. Included in the sale agreement was a clause that entitled Trump's organization to another $115 million if Bally’s was awarded a license.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s “Metropolitan Park” in Queens is expected to be voted on Tuesday.
Manhattan-based proposals The Avenir and Freedom Plaza were previously voted down.
