By Patrick Donachie
Resorts World Casino New York is proposing a massive expansion to its site at the Aqueduct Racetrack that could cost anywhere between $300 million and $500 million. The expansion would include a new hotel, meeting areas and other amenities.
The project is currently in the pre-development stage, but Resorts World is hoping to break ground on the new facilities and improvements by fall of this year, a spokesman for the company said. Michael Levoff, the senior vice president of public affairs for Genting Americas, the owner of the casino property, said the new construction would lead to an eventual boon for New York’s education system, which receives funds generated by casino revenue.
“This new expansion, and its corresponding increase in visitation to our facility, will result in a boost in revenue for both New York’s education fund and the state’s horse racing industry—while also acting as a catalyst for additional economic development in our local Queens community,” he said. “Beyond providing additional revenue, this expansion will also add approximately 1,500 good-paying careers for New Yorkers and thousands of construction jobs.”
The proposed expansion would take place on the west side of Resorts World Casino. The area currently includes only parking, so construction will not significantly disturb the day-to-day operations of the casino. Future amenities were also being considered, including additional hotels, an entertainment venue and more retail space.
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said he was optimistic about the potential expansion from what he had heard and looked forward to hearing more details about the proposal.
“Whenever we look at something this large, you need to look at the details, but I immediately saw jobs,” he said. He also liked the fact that the new amenities would not be solely related to casino-related activities.
“You don’t have to be a gambler or a gamer. There will be a spa, more food. There’s something hopefully there for everyone,” he said. “It becomes a destination where Resorts World can look at a customer and instead of hours spent there, they can look at days spent there.”
Resorts World opened in 2011 and is the only operating casino within the New York City limits.
Reach reporter Patrick Donachie by e-mail at pdona
