Skip to content

New York City's Resorts World NYC head discusses plans for an expanded casino in Queens, as captured on video.

Downstate casino competition progresses with the inaugural gathering of a community advisory board evaluating a $5 billion proposal led by Robert DeSalvio, a key figure in the project. In an exclusive interview following the bid's submission, DeSalvio offers insights into the ambitious plan.

Casino head at Resorts World NYC discusses proposed expansion of Queens' gaming facility, as...
Casino head at Resorts World NYC discusses proposed expansion of Queens' gaming facility, as captured on video.

New York City's Resorts World NYC head discusses plans for an expanded casino in Queens, as captured on video.

In the competitive race for downstate New York casino licenses, Resorts World New York City, operated by Genting, is making waves with its proposed expansion. The bid, worth a significant $5 billion, is being led by Robert DeSalvio, who recently shared details of the plan in an exclusive interview with Tara Rosenblum, a senior reporter for News 12.

The expansion aims to transform the existing racino in Queens into a full-scale casino resort. The plan includes the construction of a 7,000-seat arena and 2,000 hotel rooms, promising to create thousands of union jobs. The expansion is expected to boost local economic activity and contribute to job creation, key considerations in the licensing decision process.

While specific details about the expansion plan are not yet publicly disclosed, Genting's track record suggests that the investment will likely involve upgrades to facilities, additional amenities, and enhanced entertainment options. The company's commitment to community revitalization initiatives is also expected to be a part of the plan.

Resorts World New York City is one of the frontrunners for the downstate New York casino licenses, alongside MGM Empire City. The New York State Gaming Commission and the Gaming Facilities Location Board are overseeing the licensing process, which includes a $1 million non-refundable application fee and a minimum licensing fee of $500 million per license. Decisions are expected by December 1, 2025, with community support and the readiness of the site being crucial factors in the selection process.

A community advisory board recently met for the first time to review the Resorts World New York City expansion bid, underscoring the importance of community involvement in the process. The expansion, if approved, is expected to bring exciting changes to the Queens skyline and provide numerous opportunities for local residents.

[1] [New York State Gaming Commission](https://www.gaming.ny.gov/) [2] [Gaming Facilities Location Board](https://www.gaming.ny.gov/gamingfacilitieslocationboard/index.html) [3] [Community advisory board](https://www.nyc.gov/site/oversight/boards-commissions/community-advisory-boards.page) [4] [Resorts World New York City](https://www.rwnewyork.com/)

The expansion plan for Resorts World New York City, led by Robert DeSalvio, includes the addition of casino games and facilities, transforming it into a full-scale casino resort. This will likely involve upgrades to existing facilities, additional amenities, and expanded entertainment options, all in line with Genting's track record.

The proposed expansion, if approved, is anticipated to boost local economic activity, create thousands of union jobs, and bring exciting changes to the Queens skyline, providing numerous opportunities for local residents.

Read also: