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Genting New York LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of Genting Malaysia, has taken a pivotal step in its effort to secure one of three coveted downstate New York casino licenses. On July 21, the company presented its $5.5 billion expansion blueprint to the state’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC), outlining plans to transform the existing Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) at Aqueduct into what could become the state’s largest fully integrated resort.

At the heart of Genting’s proposal is a 5.6 million-square-foot entertainment complex, dwarfing competing bids in terms of site scale, built area, and casino-floor size. Under the current license, RWNYC operates only electronic gaming machines, but Genting’s vision includes an ambitious expansion: 6,000+ slot machines, up to 800 gaming tables, 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena, over 7,000 parking spaces, 30+ food and beverage venues, a full-service spa, and roughly a dozen acres of public greenspace.

Crucially, Genting asserts it is already cleared for land use and poised to begin construction immediately upon licensing, with the first phase of operations projected as early as July 2026. This rapid rollout could give Genting a strong advantage in a regulatory process that emphasizes community readiness.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of Genting’s pitch. “What the Community Advisory Committee heard today was a vision for a transformative project that will be a game‑changer for this borough, the city and the state,” stated Robert DeSalvio, Genting Americas East’s President. Since RWNYC began operating at Aqueduct in 2010, Genting claims to have created over 1,000 union jobs, invested in the local community, and forged long-term regional ties. “We made them a promise to do more in every sense of the term, and today’s proposal lays out just how we will,” DeSalvio added.

In addition to the casino vision, Genting is pursuing broader civic benefits. It recently formed a joint venture with Cirrus Workforce Housing to finance up to 50,000 units of affordable workforce housing across New York City. The company has also pledged $50 million toward a “Resorts World Innovation Campus,” which would feature:

  • The Jet Center — a tech and mentorship hub spearheaded by two-time NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith;

  • A Community Health and Wellness Center; and

  • The Queens STEAM Institute.

Legal compliance is another critical point. During the CAC presentation, Resorts World’s Chief Legal and Strategy Officer Kevin Jones emphasized their preparedness: “When it comes to completion and operational risk, Resorts World New York City stands uniquely as almost risk‑free,” according to attendees.

Genting is competing in a crowded field that includes MGM Resorts (Empire City expansion), Silverstein Properties, SL Green and Roc Nation with Caesars in Times Square, and other major developers. To move forward, their proposal must pass a CAC vote prior to the September 30 deadline. If approved, the final decision will rest with the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which is set to choose three project winners by December 1—followed by formal licensure by year-end.