Resorts World New York City opens new Experience Center showcasing $5B expansion plan

Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) has cut the ribbon on its new Experience Center, a pavilion designed to showcase its $5 billion redevelopment vision. Located within RWNYC’s grand lobby, the center features 3D models and video walls, outlining the plans for 350,000 square feet of meeting, conference, and entertainment space and approximately 30 new food and beverage options. 

The new facility is expected to generate more than 10,000 new jobs and spur economic development around the Aqueduct site. The campus will also quadruple its hotel capacity for a total of 2,000 rooms just minutes away from JFK International Airport.

Today we officially cut the ribbon on our Experience Center – a space that reimagines our future with state-of-the-art amenities, world-class dining, and vibrant greenspace. https://t.co/zDZWUsDXRz #QueensDreams #ResortsWorld

— Resorts World New York City (@ResortsWorldNYC) January 24, 2025

Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, said: "Today marks a big step closer to realizing the potential of Southeast Queens and the entire borough as we open the doors to the Resorts World New York City Experience Center."

"For over a decade, we’ve been proud to grow alongside the Southeast Queens community. Now, this portal into the future will cement Queens’ status as a global destination when our community sees a world-class entertainment venue, new meeting and conference space, and acres of additional greenspace come to life."

Robert DeSalvio

For his part, Alberto Cavallero, AIA, Principal of Perkins Eastman, stated: "We’re proud to have partnered with Resorts World New York City to bring their vision for the future of Queens to life."

"The Experience Center is designed to be welcoming and interactive, giving the community a chance to physically see the massive scope of this project. We cannot wait to see Queens residents step into this center and truly understand how it will deliver on the things they have always wanted."

The Experience Center was designed by Perkins Eastman, in collaboration with RWNYC. The two models on display were built by Arch Box, under the guidance of master modelmaker Richard Tenguerian.

The unveiling of the Experience Center is the latest milestone in RWNYC’s efforts to secure a commercial gaming license from the New York State Gaming Commission. Resorts World is one of many competitive bidders for the three available downstate casino licenses that the New York Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to award by December 1, 2025. Bids are due to the state agency by June 27.

If awarded, RWNYC says it will be able to activate a $5 billion plan that includes Las Vegas-style gaming, entertainment, and the creation of a new green space. RWNYC, owned by Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group, is considered a front-runner for one of the coveted licenses along with MGM Resorts International.

Step into our future in our new Experience Center! Located in our Grand Lobby, this pavilion showcases our $5 billion dollar redevelopment vision with 3D models, video walls, & more! Visit & explore how this project will shape our community: https://t.co/Yrppi4jYs5 #QueensDreams pic.twitter.com/KDD1OFWq1p

— Resorts World New York City (@ResortsWorldNYC) January 25, 2025

Genting and MGM, which runs Empire City in Yonkers, are presumably favored because they’ve long been invested in the New York City region through their existing racetrack gaming facilities. While they are currently limited to operating slot-like video lottery terminals (VLTs) and electronic table games, reception of one the three downstate licenses would allow them to expand to full Vegas-style gaming.