More than 40 community members and local leaders testified in favor of Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) receiving a full casino gaming license during a public advisory hearing held on Wednesday, August 20, at Queens Borough Hall.

The hearing was hosted by the Resorts World NYC Community Advisory Committee, led by Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato. Other members include Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Community Board 10 Chairperson Betty Bratton, State Senator James Sanders, Governor Hochul’s Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Stevens Martinez, and NYC DOT Queens Commissioner Nicole Garcia.

Major Expansion Plans for Resorts World NYC

Located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Resorts World NYC has operated as New York City’s only casino since 2011 and is now competing for one of three full downstate casino licenses approved by state legislation.

Resorts World’s $5.5 billion expansion proposal would transform the current 73-acre site into a world-class entertainment destination. Key elements of the plan include:

A 500,000-square-foot gaming floor – the largest in the U.S.

6,000 slot and electronic table games, plus 800 live table games

A 350,000-square-foot convention and entertainment center

A 7,000-seat arena

30 new food and beverage venues

2,000 hotel rooms

A STEM innovation hub

3,000 units of on-site workforce housing

If approved, the project is expected to create over 10,000 new jobs, including 5,000 union construction jobs and 5,000 permanent roles, plus 14,000 indirect and induced jobs.

Elected Officials and Community Leaders Back the Proposal

During the hearing, Southeast Queens elected officials voiced their support, with conditional recommendations. Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson praised the proposal but emphasized the need for more community investment. “The proposal is outstanding, but we want to see more direct infrastructure investments in the surrounding community,” said Anderson, suggesting a $140 million community investment fund to support mental health services, addiction recovery, and public infrastructure beyond the casino grounds.

Council Member Nantasha Williams applauded RWNYC’s commitment to workforce development, particularly its partnerships with local institutions like York College. “Resorts World is focused on creating real career opportunities and economic growth within Queens,” Williams said.

Leaders from major Queens institutions such as Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Flushing Town Hall, and Greater Jamaica Development Corporation also voiced strong support, citing Resorts World’s history of philanthropy, cultural investment, and support for nonprofit organizations.

Track Record of Local Investment

To date, RWNYC has:

Invested $1.1 billion into the Aqueduct site

Contributed $4.4 billion to the NYS Education Fund

Donated nearly $10 million to community causes via its “RW Gives” program “Resorts World has a proven track record of giving back,” said Bruce Flanz, President and CEO of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Awarding this license will help grow our local economy and improve health outcomes.”

Justin Rodgers, President and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, highlighted the immediate job potential. “If granted the license, 2,500 permanent jobs could begin within six months,” Rodgers said. “RWNYC also plans to launch a career center in downtown Jamaica to connect locals with opportunities in hospitality, IT, and more.”

Upcoming Job Initiatives and Next Steps

In preparation for potential license approval, Resorts World NYC is rolling out a range of workforce development programs, including:

Resorts World Career Center opening on Tuesday, September 16 at Jamaica Station (Sutphin Blvd). Open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., to walk-in job seekers.

Dealer Experience Center in RWNYC’s grand lobby, offering free two-hour sessions on entering the gaming industry, available Tuesday–Saturday with three daily time slots.

A second and final public hearing will take place on September 15 at 4 p.m. at Queens Borough Hall.