Summary:
- Resorts World Casino has a $5bn budget.
- The Aqueduct Race Track casino hopes to bring 10,000 jobs to the area.
- A gaming license would allow the property to expand its gaming options.
Resorts World Casino at the Aqueduct Race Track is one of a few casino providers hoping to vie for a license in the downstate area of New York. The existing casino could upgrade its gaming offerings, boosting its overall operations if a license is awarded.
This week, the brand announced a $5 billion plan to add a concert hall, entertainment hub, and more to help push its way to earning one of the coveted licenses.
Big Event to Announce the Investment
On Thursday, Resorts World hosted chef Marcus Samuelsson, rapper Nas, and several politicians, including NY Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. Everyone was on hand to hear about the plans for spending billions on the property to upgrade the facility. The plan includes 10,000 jobs and several ways to bring in more tourism dollars.
Addabbo despite advocating for online gambling spoke during the event, stating that the new Resorts World will change NYC for the better, including the surrounding communities. The plan will spur job creation, parks, and entertainment in the Queens area.
Resorts World is already a large property, having originally started offering services in NY back in 2011. It features more than five million visitors a year with plenty of things to enjoy for a daily visit or overnight stay. The new plan is expected to bring even more visitors, so the venue could help produce more tourism in the area.
Plan Details
During the event, Resorts World showcased what it would bring with the billion-dollar plan. The casino will be expanded to 350,000 square feet, offering a gigantic gaming floor for guests. An additional 1,600 hotel rooms and 350,000 square feet of conference and entertainment space would be added.
An arena will be created with 7,000 seats for events, plus a sports academy named after Kenny Smith, the two-time NBA Champion. The property will also add 10 acres of green space with public access. This will allow visitors to enjoy hiking and running trails.
Resorts World and Empire City Casino are two venues that exist in downstate New York and are expected to receive two of the three available licenses. This leaves only one to vie for many major companies like Caesars and Bally’s. It will be interesting to see if the plan by Resorts World helps secure the license or if the brand narrowly misses out after the license is obtained by another operator in the mix.
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