Resorts World Casino New York City (RWNYC) celebrated its “lucky 13th” anniversary last month.
Since opening in 2011, the entertainment and dining hub at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd in Jamaica has collaborated with stakeholders and community members to build partnerships across Queens.
Located on the Aqueduct Racetrack complex, RWNYC is New York City’s only casino, offering 6,500 slot machines and electronic table games, fine dining options, and an on-site Hyatt Regency JFK Airport Hotel.
Each year, approximately 5 million guests visit RWNYC, supporting a workforce of 1,000 employees, most of whom are Queens residents. Over the years, RWNYC has aided the city and state during crises like Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic while contributing nearly $5 billion to New York’s education fund.
Looking to the future, RWNYC has ambitious plans for Queens. In February, the company unveiled a $5 billion proposal to transform the Queens venue into a Las Vegas-style gaming destination. The proposed expansion includes a 7,000-seat concert center, 50 acres of new park space, 3,000 units of workforce housing, 1,600 additional hotel rooms, and enhanced public transit connections. Central to the project is a new 350,000-square-foot casino floor, featuring gaming, conference, and entertainment spaces—pending RWNYC’s acquisition of a gaming license from the New York State Gaming Commission.
Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting America’s East, emphasized RWNYC’s dedication to being a good neighbor since opening in 2011. “Our team has sought to do that every day as we continue to deliver a best-in-class gaming, entertainment, and dining experience right here in Southeast Queens,” DeSalvio said. “Resorts World is proud that the revenue generated here in Queens has sent more than $4.5 billion to the New York State education fund, while our philanthropic arm, RW Gives, has invested more than $5 million into 300 community organizations.”
DeSalvio noted that Resorts World has been attentive to community feedback, especially concerns about its impact on small businesses. He highlighted the creation of the Community Partners program, “which has helped empower local small businesses. Resorts World has also addressed the long-standing need for large-scale meeting space here in Queens so community groups do not have to leave the borough to host an event,” he said.
Through the Community Partners program, RWNYC collaborates with local businesses, offering discounts to loyalty cardholders who visit participating establishments. Dawn Kelly, owner of The Nourish Spot, a juice bar located at 107-05 Guy R Brewer Blvd, has been part of the program since 2018. “If you have a Resorts World loyalty card and you show that at The Nourish Spot, you could get 10% off your purchase,” Kelly said.
Kelly added that the program’s outreach to RWNYC’s customer base has driven more customers to her small business. “That’s a good way of helping small businesses with limited marketing budgets. So to have partners like Resorts World helping us to tell people that we exist, we’re nearby, and we have a healthy food and beverage option means the world to us,” she said.
Local elected officials, including Council Member Joann Ariola (D-32), believe that RWNYC has fulfilled its commitment to the Queens community. “They have absolutely proven that they are a committed partner, and they even saved a school trip last year. The usual bus company contracted by PS 306 in Woodhaven was unable to transport students for a year-end school trip to Citi Field, backing out last minute. Fortunately, Resorts World came to the rescue and provided buses for the kids. That really shows the kind of organization they are and the dedication they have to local residents. Believe it or not, that isn’t even the first time they’ve saved a school trip either,” Ariola told QNS.
She added that later this month, RWNYC will be a drink sponsor for her office’s Heroes Thanksgiving Event in Forest Park, providing lunch and entertainment for veterans in her district.
Ariola also emphasized the economic impact RWNYC has had on her constituents through local employment. “They promised to hire locally, and they’ve kept that promise, providing so many jobs to locals here. Their outreach has also been a tremendous help for so many in the area as well, as they sponsor so many different things that otherwise might not be possible,” she said.
Ariola expressed hope that RWNYC will secure its live-gaming license to move forward with its expansion. “This is why I’m so hopeful that their live gaming license will come through. There won’t be any guessing about whether or not they will be good community partners—they’ve already proven themselves time and time again,” she said.
