The recent unanimous vote by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) in favor of the Resorts World New York City casino proposal marks a crucial milestone in the competition for downstate gaming licenses. This decision propelled Resorts World to the final phase of the licensing race, stirring excitement amongst local stakeholders, job seekers, and community advocates eager for potential economic revitalization.
Resorts World, which has served as a “racino” featuring electronic gambling machines at the Aqueduct Race Track in South Ozone Park since 2011, has long been a front-runner for one of the three sought-after licenses to offer full casino services. Its established infrastructure makes it a strong contender, and its recent CAC approval reinforces its status in the eyes of the State Gaming Commission, which will announce license recipients in December.
This approval is particularly noteworthy as Resorts World becomes only the second project to secure CAC backing this season, following MGM Empire City’s successful vote earlier in the same day. Both projects now move forward in a rigorous evaluation process that determines their eligibility for the coveted licenses.
Within the six-member CAC, prominent figures such as Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards supported the proposal, culminating in a vote on September 25 that reflects a community consensus in favor of the project. The members emphasized the potential benefits that Resorts World could bring to their neighborhoods, underscoring a collective hope for enhanced local economic conditions.
With a staggering $5.5 billion proposal, Resorts World envisions a comprehensive transformation of its facilities into a 5.6 million square-foot integrated resort. This ambitious initiative promises not only to create a plethora of jobs—expanding from its current 1,000 positions to an impressive 5,000 permanent roles—but also aims to invest significantly in the community. The company has pledged that over half of these new positions will be filled by local Queens residents, reflecting a commitment to fostering local employment.
In addition to job creation, the project anticipates generating approximately 5,000 union construction jobs. The planned amenities include a vast gaming floor housing over 6,000 slot machines and 800 table games, a 500,000 square-foot gaming space, and accommodations like 2,000 hotel rooms. An expansive entertainment venue with a capacity for 7,000 people, numerous restaurants, and vast parking facilities will also be part of this integrated resort, promising to turn Southeast Queens into a vibrant hub of activity.
The proposal includes significant community features such as 3,000 units of workforce housing, advanced public transit connections, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) school, and over 10 acres dedicated to public greenspace. Roberts DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, articulated the company’s long-standing dedication to positively impacting the South Ozone Park community, expressing gratitude for the support it has received from residents.
Assembly Member Pheffer Amato highlighted that the decision was not solely about approving a casino but about securing numerous benefits for the local community, a sentiment reflected by both local officials and community members. The overwhelming support demonstrated throughout the CAC discussions indicates a genuine public interest in the long-term growth and improvement of the area.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards also emphasized the importance of this development, associating it with opportunities for well-paying jobs and heightened prospects for residents and their families. His statement showcased a collective vision for progress while asserting the necessity of community input throughout the planning process.
Notably, community engagement has characterized this proposal journey, with over 100 local advocates voicing their support during the CAC process. Local leaders are convinced that granting a full casino license will yield tangible growth and various positive outcomes for the community, including quicker public service and recreational opportunities.
Celebrity endorsements further fuel the excitement around the Resorts World proposal. Notably, hip-hop artist Nas participated in a promotional video where he underscored that this project represents “more than just a casino.” His remarks resonate with the community’s aspirations for growth and renewal within the borough. Following the CAC vote, NBA legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith revealed plans for “The Jet Center,” a sports and media complex that would serve as a centerpiece within the broader Resorts World Innovation Campus.
The proposal has raised significant anticipation within state governance spheres, with State Senator Joseph Addabbo stressing the importance of integrity in the licensing process. He noted the potential for substantial economic development resulting from the downstate casino gaming expansion, reinforcing confidence in Resorts World as a responsible operator committed to ethical growth.
As the competition heats up, Resorts World and MGM Empire City stand among eight contenders aspiring for final approval. Meanwhile, neighboring communities await decisions on rival proposals across various locations, underlining the competitive landscape in New York’s gaming expansion initiative.
The future of Resorts World’s proposal remains a hot topic, and all eyes are on the forthcoming decision from the State Gaming Commission. The potential transformation of South Ozone Park from a racino to a full-fledged casino destination hints at significant economic progress, promising exciting times ahead for local residents.
