Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) announced its latest financial forecast, stating that if it obtains a casino license for the southern region of New York State, it will contribute $2.5 billion in revenue to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) between 2026 and 2029, far exceeding the original $1.8 billion total expected from three new licenses and related taxes. The proposal includes a $600 million licensing fee (an excess of $100 million over the state government's minimum requirement) and $1.9 billion in gambling tax revenue in the first four years of operation. If the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board approves the project by December 1, 2025, and the State Gaming Commission issues a license by the end of the year, RWNYC could start full operations as early as March 2026. With its existing facilities, it has a significant lead over competitors who need years to rebuild, and the project will also invest $2 billion in the New York State public education system and donate $500 million to the Racing Association, expected to create a large number of jobs.
Core Financial Planning and Operational Advantages
RWNYC's detailed forecast shows that it will contribute $2.5 billion to the MTA in the four years after obtaining the license, $700 million more than MTA's own expectation of $1.8 billion. This cash flow consists of a $600 million licensing fee (a voluntary premium of $100 million) and $1.9 billion in gambling tax revenue in the first four years of operation. RWNYC's core advantage lies in its existing racetrack facilities in South Ozone Park, which can be quickly transformed into a full casino within months after obtaining the license, while competitors Bally's Bronx and Metropolitan Park will need years of infrastructure construction. This operational time difference will allow MTA to start receiving stable income from 2026, greatly alleviating its budget pressure and seizing the opportunity of other projects that may only open by the mid-2030s.
Comprehensive Benefits and Project Development Planning
In addition to directly funding public transportation, RWNYC commits to investing an additional $2 billion in the New York State public education system and donating $500 million to the New York Racing Association, continuing its record of nearly $5 billion in educational donations and billions of dollars in support of the equestrian industry since 2011. The project plans to fully upgrade the existing facilities into a 5.6 million square foot integrated resort, including a 500,000 square foot gaming area (equipped with 6,000 slot machines and 800 gambling tables), 2,000 hotel rooms, and a 7,000-seat entertainment venue. The expansion is expected to directly create 5,000 new permanent jobs and 5,000 union construction jobs, with more than half of the new employees being recruited preferentially from Queens.
Government Support and Industry Competitive Environment
Several government officials have publicly supported the RWNYC proposal, with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards II emphasizing that the project will inject funds into MTA during a critical period for public transportation financing, and State Senator James Sanders II pointing out its significance far beyond the gambling industry itself, focusing on promoting economic growth and providing immediate support. As MGM Yonkers has officially withdrawn from the commercial license competition, if RWNYC is selected, it will become the only fully operational full-service casino in southern New York State, bringing long-term, stable substantial funds to regional transportation and education. The project has maintained long-term communication and cooperation with the community, gaining recognition from local organizations such as the Tenth Community Board, enhancing the feasibility and credibility of the proposal.
