Company to unveil “The Jet Center” with NBA legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith as proposal now advances to Gaming Facility Location Board for next step in process to receive a commercial casino license
Queens, NY (September 25, 2025) — Resorts World New York City today received unanimous support from the Community Advisory Committee – a critical step in the company’s plan to create a $5.5 billion integrated resort, the largest in the United States. The proposal will now go to the Gaming Facility Location Board, where Resorts World will lay out its vision of generating 24,000 new jobs, $1 billion in new incremental revenue by next year, and billions of dollars in economic activity beginning as soon as next July.
“On behalf of the entire Resorts World team, I want to thank the Community Advisory Committee for recognizing the impact we will have not only on Queens but all of New York City and State,” said Robert DeSalvio, President, Genting Americas East. “We are incredibly grateful to the large number of residents, partners, and supporters who touted this project, without a single person speaking against it. This is a testament to our mission – solidified over the last 15 years – to be the best neighbor possible here in Queens.”
Immediately after the vote, RWNYC will host NBA legend and Queens native Kenny “The Jet” Smith to unveil “The Jet Center” – a state-of-the-art sports and media complex that will serve as the centerpiece of the Resorts World Innovation Campus.
Indeed, more than 100 community members spoke in support of both Resorts World’s record as well as the merits of the proposal New York City’s only casino has put forward. That included community organizations, elected officials, members of organized labor, and other partners – many of whom have worked with Resorts World since it broke ground in October 2010.
During its July 21st presentation to the Committee, and at subsequent public hearings, Resorts World officials highlighted the community and economic benefits of its proposed expansion. With a commercial casino license in hand, Resorts World can:
- Create 24,000 jobs – 5,000 permanent, 5,000 union construction, and 14,000 indirect and induced
- Resorts World would be operational by July 2026 thanks to its unparalleled speed to market capabilities
- Provide $1 billion in new, incremental revenue to New York State in 2026, as well as send $1 billion to the MTA within the first five years of licensure
- Develop 12 acres of new, public greenspace designed in partnership with the community
- Deliver a 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue, large-scale event and meeting space, and 30 new dining options including concepts by Chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Scott Conant
The bid has also garnered the backing of two of Queens most famous native sons: hip-hop legend Nas and two-time NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith. In June, Nas recorded a video as part of Resorts World’s bid that paid homage to the World’s Borough and the facility’s mission to advance its communities. Smith meanwhile has been the driving force behind “The Jet Center” – a state-of-the-art sports and media complex that will be the centerpiece of the Resorts World Innovation Campus. Later today, the Inside the NBA host will appear at Resorts World to officially unveil “The Jet Center” and discuss the driving forces behind it.
About Resorts World New York City
Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is the Big Apple’s only casino-hotel and has generated more than $4.5 billion for the State’s public education system since 2011. RWNYC fulfills the decades-long mission to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into a gaming destination with approximately 5,500 slot machines and electronic table gaming. An average 5 million guests pass through RWNYC’s doors annually, where they enjoy an extraordinary gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport hotel at Resorts World New York City opened its doors — bringing the total investment at the site to $1.1 billion. Guests can choose from several dining options including the recently reopened RW Prime and Good Friends Noodle House. RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resorts in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.
