Resorts World New York City says it will give $2.5 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from 2026 to 2029 if it wins one of the state’s sought-after downstate casino licenses this December. This amount tops the MTA’s own estimate of $1.8 billion in casino-related money during the same time frame.

Resorts World Aims for Early 2026 Launch as New York’s First Full-Scale City Casino

The plan depends on getting the state’s approval by the end of 2025. This would let the South Ozone Park site start its bigger operations as soon as March 2026. The casino’s offer includes a $600 million license fee, $100 million more than what the state asks for at the base level, and $1.9 billion in tax money over four years. All this cash is set aside to help the MTA. It is meant to steady the agency’s financial situation while it deals with ongoing budget issues.

If chosen, Resorts World would become New York City’s first licensed commercial casino, since other proposed venues are not likely to open until after 2030. The company’s spokespeople said the location could start providing money for state education and public transit right away, estimating $2 billion for schools, along with $2.5 billion for transportation.

Robert DeSalvio, who leads Genting Americas East, called the project a driver of long-term growth. He stressed that the expansion was not just about gambling, but aimed to boost the wider economy and support key public services.

Aqueduct Racetrack Redevelopment Could Create 5,000 Jobs

The plan lays out a $5.5 billion makeover of the Aqueduct Racetrack site into a 5.6 million-square-foot all-in-one resort. The blueprint includes a 500,000-square-foot casino area, over 6,000 slot machines, 800 gaming tables, and a venue that can seat 7,000 people for shows. The project also calls for 2,000 hotel rooms, more than 30 places to eat and drink, and lots of parking spots.

Resorts World now has about 1,000 workers, but the bigger complex would bring in 5,000 long-term jobs and just as many union building jobs. The company has made a promise that at least half of its new employees will be from Queens.

Local leaders back the project, pointing out how it could pay for better transit and create more jobs. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said the plan could bring much-needed money to the city’s transport system. Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato praised the company’s history of giving to the public, calling it a model of dependable partnership.

Since it opened in 2011, Resorts World New York City has given about $5 billion to New York’s public education fund and over $2 billion to the state’s horse racing industry. The Genting Group runs the property, which draws around five million visitors each year. It keeps growing its presence as one of the top entertainment spots in the area.