3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Genting Malaysia tables formal bid for New York casino licence, eyes major expansion
KUALA LUMPUR: Genting Malaysia Bhd has formally submitted its bid for one of New York's highly sought-after casino licences, anchoring a massive US$5.5 billion (RM23.19 billion) plan to elevate its existing Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) into a flagship integrated resort in Queens.
In an exchange filing, Genting Malaysia confirmed that the bid was officially lodged on June 27 in response to the New York State Gaming Commission's request for applications for up to three commercial casino licences in downstate New York. RWNYC, located next to JFK International Airport, has been operating for 15 years and is currently the only casino in the city offering video lottery terminals and electronic table games.
RWNYC is uniquely positioned to transform itself into a world-class integrated resort destination with this proposed multi-billion-dollar investment, which will drive the next chapter of growth for the company, Genting Malaysia said.
The company expects a final decision by December 1, with licences anticipated to be issued by Dec 31, 2025.
In a separate statement, RWNYC revealed more details about the ambitious plan, which would see the property expand into a 5.6 million-square-foot entertainment and hospitality destination. The project aims to start contributing significant tax revenue to the state by July 2026. Once the gaming licence is secured, RWNYC plans to introduce live table games and full-scale slot operations within six months.
The proposed expansion includes a 500,000 sq ft gaming floor featuring 6,000 slot machines and 800 table games — making it one of the largest casino floors in the region. Other planned additions include 2,000 hotel rooms to accommodate both leisure and business travellers, a 7,000-seat entertainment venue for world-class performances, over 30 new food and beverage outlets, expansive meeting and convention facilities, and more than 10 acres of public greenspace designed to benefit the local community.
The development is expected to create a substantial economic boost for New York City and the surrounding area by expanding RWNYC's workforce from 1,000 to 5,000 permanent jobs. New employment opportunities will span gaming operations, hospitality, food and beverage services, event management, security, maintenance, and other support roles.
RWNYC is fully owned and operated by Genting's wholly owned subsidiary, Genting New York LLC. Since opening its doors 15 years ago, RWNYC has grown into the busiest slot-machine casino in the US by gaming revenue, offering 5,500 electronic gaming machines, a variety of dining and entertainment options, event facilities, and a 400-room Hyatt Regency hotel that attracts both local visitors and tourists.
The mega expansion underscores Genting Malaysia's long-term commitment to strengthening its footprint in the US gaming market, where it also operates Resorts World Catskills in upstate New York and Resorts World Las Vegas. The group sees the New York bid as a strategic opportunity to unlock RWNYC's full potential as a premier integrated resort — boosting tourism, job creation, and tax contributions for the state.
