Entertainment City PH | QUEENS, N.Y. — July 21, 2025 — Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has officially unveiled a massive $5.5 billion vision to transform the Aqueduct Racetrack site in Queens into New York State’s largest fully integrated resort. If approved, the development could break ground immediately and open by July 2026—delivering thousands of jobs, billions in tax revenue, and a game-changing entertainment hub to the city.
What’s New?
RWNYC’s new proposal calls for a 5.6 million-square-foot destination that blends gaming, hospitality, sports, dining, wellness, and community space. Highlights include:
- 6,000 slot machines & 800 table games
- 2,000 hotel rooms
- A 7,000-seat indoor arena
- More than 30 restaurants and bars
- Over a dozen acres of public greenspace
- Spa, parking for 7,000+ vehicles, and a major wellness complex
This project would be located on a 73-acre site adjacent to JFK Airport, making it a true gateway destination for locals and travelers alike.
A Catalyst for Jobs, Culture, and Community Growth
Backed by full land-use approvals and ready-to-go construction plans, Resorts World’s pitch emphasizes speed and scale. The development is expected to generate up to 24,000 jobs, with long-term positions averaging $80,000 annually. Impressively, over 80% of current staff are people of color, and nearly half are women—most living within five miles of the site.
World-renowned chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Scott Conant have already signed on to launch culinary concepts within the resort. Meanwhile, RWNYC has pledged $50 million toward a new Resorts World Innovation Campus, which will include:
- The Jet Center, led by two-time NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith
- A Community Health and Wellness Center
- The Queens STEAM Institute for youth education in science, tech, arts, and math
As New York’s largest gaming tax contributor, RWNYC has already generated $4.5 billion for state education, $2 billion for horse racing, and $200 million for the lottery since opening in 2011. These numbers are projected to skyrocket if the full commercial license is granted.
About Resorts World New York City
RWNYC is currently the only casino-hotel in New York City. Since 2011, it has welcomed over 8 million guests annually and injected more than $1.1 billion into developing the Queens site—including the Hyatt Regency JFK Airport hotel. Operated by global hospitality giant Genting Group, Resorts World also runs integrated resorts across the U.S., U.K., and Asia, employing 30,000+ people worldwide.
Source: PR Newswire
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