A rendering of the fully transformed complex. (Designed by Perkins Eastman)
QUEENS, N.Y. — Just beyond the rumble of JFK’s runways, in a corner of the city more associated with transit terminals than tourist destinations, a quiet transformation is gaining momentum. Resorts World New York City, already home to the state’s highest-grossing casino floor, has announced a $5.5 billion vision to convert its longtime racino into a global resort destination — and Queens into a gaming and entertainment capital.
The proposal, formally submitted to the New York State Gaming Commission on June 27, lays out a bold blueprint to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack site into the city’s first full-scale integrated casino-resort. If granted one of the state’s three downstate commercial licenses, Resorts World would introduce live-dealer table games to a site that’s already hosted more than 100 million visitors since 2011.
“This is more than a casino expansion,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East. “It’s about delivering on a promise we made to Queens 15 years ago — and building something new that every New Yorker can be proud of.”
From racino to resort
Currently operating under a limited racino license — allowing only slot machines and electronic table games — Resorts World is seeking full licensure to offer live poker, blackjack, baccarat, and more. The plan would redevelop 73 acres into a 5.6-million-square-foot destination for gaming, hospitality, food, culture, and community.
The centerpiece is a 350,000- to 500,000-square-foot casino floor with 6,000 slot machines and 800 table games. But this is only the beginning. The project also includes:
- A new 1,600-room hotel tower, adding to the existing 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK and making it the largest hotel in New York City
- A 7,000-seat arena for concerts and sporting events
- 350,000 square feet of meeting, conference, and event space
- More than 30 food and drink venues reflecting Queens’ globally renowned food culture
- A new Genting Innovation Campus featuring the Kenny “The Jet” Smith Academy, a STEAM education center, and a wellness hub
- 3,000 workforce housing units and 50 acres of parkland as part of the proposed Aqueduct Park
- Upgraded infrastructure, improved access near Jamaica Station, and parking for up to 7,000 vehicles
Anchored in Queens, backed by Queens
To signal its deep local roots, Resorts World turned to one of Queens’ most recognizable voices: rapper and entrepreneur Nas, who stars in the bid’s official campaign video titled “It’s About Time.”
“In Queens, the future is now,” Nas says as he walks through the current facility in the film. “From our Chairman to our newest employees, we are committed to Queens.”
It’s not just branding. The company says more than half of the 5,000 permanent new jobs created through the expansion would go to residents of Queens. The median salary: $80,000, with full benefits pushing total compensation to $150,000. Over 80 percent of Resorts World’s current employees are people of color, and nearly half are women.
High-stakes future, community-first design
Beyond the gaming floor, the project positions itself as a catalyst for long-term growth and inclusive prosperity.
In partnership with Cirrus Workforce Housing, Resorts World plans to deliver up to 50,000 middle-income housing units across the five boroughs. A $50 million community investment fund will support local nonprofits, public services, and educational programs. And the new Aqueduct Park — made possible by consolidating racetrack operations at Belmont — would offer 50 acres of green space and outdoor amenities in one of the city’s most infrastructure-burdened corridors.
The company estimates it will generate more than $1 billion in new Metropolitan Transportation Authority revenue within five years — on top of the $4.5 billion it has already contributed to public education since opening in 2011.
Competitive field, homegrown edge
Resorts World’s proposal enters a competitive field. Seven other bids have been submitted, including proposals by Caesars (Times Square), Hard Rock (Willets Point), and Mohegan-Soloviev (Kips Bay). But Resorts World may have one key advantage: it’s already here.
With zoning, infrastructure, and a loyal customer base in place, its proposal is considered shovel-ready and logistically viable. Support from labor unions, local businesses, and elected officials has further boosted its standing.
State regulators are expected to announce licensing decisions by December 2025. If successful, full-scale operations could begin as early as summer 2026.
More than a bet
For DeSalvio and his team, the bid is less about risk and more about readiness.
“We’re not starting from scratch,” he said. “We’ve built trust here. We’ve delivered. And we’re ready to create something even more meaningful — for the city, for Queens, and for the people who’ve stood with us from the beginning.”
As the skyline begins to shift, Queens may no longer be the borough travelers pass through on their way to Manhattan. If this bid is successful, it might just become the destination itself.
A racino is a hybrid facility that combines a racetrack with casino-style gaming limited to slot machines, video lottery terminals, and electronic table games. Live-dealer games like poker and blackjack are not permitted without a full commercial casino license.
Opened in 2011, RWNYC is operated by Genting Group and includes a 330,000-square-foot gaming facility, 5,500 electronic machines, and the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK. The property draws approximately 5 million annual visitors and has invested over $1.1 billion into its Queens campus.
