Resorts World NYC Ramps Up Slots, Begins Second Phase of $5.5B Expansion
2026-07-22
Source: iGaming Business
Resorts World NYC has added 1,400 slots and broken ground on a $5.5 billion expansion phase that includes hotels and an entertainment venue, while also resolving a tax dispute with New York state. Early revenue figures are strong, with $317 million in GGR over 11 weeks and average slot win per unit per day exceeding $1,200.
Resorts World NYC is accelerating its post-licence growth, adding 1,400 slot machines this week and breaking ground on the second phase of a massive redevelopment. The moves come less than three months after the property officially transitioned from a video lottery terminal (VLT) facility to a full commercial casino in April.
Slot Expansion and New Facilities
The new machines bring Resorts World’s total slot count to approximately 3,900, installed in existing first-floor space. The operator emphasised its speed-to-market edge, which helped secure its downstate New York casino licence ahead of competitors Bally’s Bronx and Metropolitan Park, both of which are single-phase projects not expected to open until 2030 at the earliest.
On Wednesday, the casino broke ground on the second phase of its $5.5 billion overhaul. Planned additions include a 400-room Hyatt hotel tower, a 1,200-room Crockfords hotel, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue, a sports and media complex named after NBA legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith, a new parking garage, and a central plaza. The fully expanded property is projected to house 6,000 slots, 800 table games, and 2,000 rooms, though the state licensing board last year noted the application showed renderings for only 4,600 slots and 530 tables. Completion targets are 2029 for casino expansions and 2031 for the entire project.
“In less than 3 months after opening our doors as the first casino in New York City’s history, we are already moving towards a day when the city will have a first-of-its-kind integrated resort,” said Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Resorts World parent Genting.
Racing Tax Dispute Resolved
Resorts World enjoys a first-mover monopoly on table games and Class III slots in the NYC region, which will last at least four years. However, that advantage comes with the highest tax rates among the three downstate casinos: 56% on slots and 30% on tables, versus 30%/10% for Bally’s Bronx and 25%/10% for Metropolitan Park.
The operator faced a significant tax dispute with the New York State Gaming Commission earlier this summer over payments earmarked for the horse racing industry. Resorts World believed those contributions were included in its overall gaming taxes, while the NYSGC viewed them as separate additional costs. The issue was resolved on June 5 when state legislation passed allowing the commission to distribute casino tax funds directly to the New York Horse Racing Association. Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged the “ongoing dispute” and said the bill “is designed to ensure that the racing industry… does not suffer adverse consequences.” Resorts World spokesman Stefan Friedman stated, “With this issue resolved, we look forward to working in partnership with the state.”
Impressive Early Revenue
Since its commercial relaunch, Resorts World has posted $317 million in total gross gaming revenue over 11 weeks, putting it on track for well over $1.5 billion annually. Average slot win per unit per day reached $1,214—far exceeding Wynn Las Vegas’s Q1 figure of $849. “I don’t think the industry’s ever seen that number before,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting’s New York operations. He noted monthly slot revenues already surpass the casino’s highest-ever monthly VLT revenue with significantly fewer machines. Regarding the 30% table tax rate, DeSalvio called it “a little bit high” but expressed confidence it would eventually drop to match competitors’ rates once they open. The NYSGC website does not explicitly state that the higher rate is temporary.