Resorts World New York City

History and Expansion

Resorts World New York City opened in October 2011 at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, initially operating solely as a racino with video lottery terminals (VLTs) under a state license. In 2022, New York State legislation allowed existing racinos to add live table games, and RWNYC became the first to implement this change, installing 150 table games and a dedicated poker room.

Business Model

RWNYC generates revenue primarily through its vast gaming floor, which spans 200,000 square feet and includes over 6,500 slot machines (VLTs) and electronic table games. The addition of live table games in 2022 significantly boosted revenue, with annual gross gaming revenue exceeding $800 million in 2023. The resort also earns income from its hotel, dining, and entertainment offerings, and operates a loyalty program called RWNYC Rewards.

Products and Amenities

Key products include: Video Lottery Terminals – over 6,500 slot-like machines operated by the New York State Lottery; Live Table Games – blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker; Hyatt House New York City/Queens – a 400-room extended-stay hotel; Genting Palace – a high-end Asian restaurant; Palladium Ballroom – a 4,000-seat event venue for concerts and shows; and the RWNYC Rewards loyalty program.

Market Position

RWNYC is the largest gambling venue in New York State by number of gaming positions and one of the highest-grossing casinos outside Las Vegas. It competes with other New York City-area casinos, such as Resorts World Catskills and Empire City Casino, and is actively lobbying for one of three downstate commercial casino licenses expected to be awarded by 2025 or later. Its existing infrastructure makes it a "shovel-ready" candidate.

Regulatory and Community Impact

The resort operates under a state gaming license with restrictions on full gambling capacity. It has faced local criticism over traffic congestion but has also pledged significant community investments, including a planned hotel expansion if a commercial license is granted. Genting has emphasized the resort's role in job creation and tax revenue for the state.