Resorts World New York City Projects $2.5 Billion to MTA in Next Four Years, Exceeding Budgeted Casino Revenue of $1.8 Billion

Resorts World New York City’s (RWNYC) new projections forecast it will send $2.5 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over the coming four years. The estimated $2.5 billion payment will more than cover the expected $1.8 billion MTA budgeted for the three casino license fees and tax payments from 2026 to 2029.

This is achievable because RWNYC could begin operations as early as March 2026 if it is selected by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (Board) by December 1, 2025 and the license is issued by the Gaming Commission by December 31, 2025, consistent with the dates the Board has indicated.

With an upfront license fee of $600 million and $1.9 billion in tax payments to the MTA in the next 4 years, RWNYC will generate $2.5 billion in taxes for the MTA. MTA’s budget from casinos are $500 million in 2026, $500 million in 2027, $600 million in 2028 and $200 million in 2029 for a total of $1.8 billion.

With the withdrawal of MGM Yonkers, RWNYC would remain the only operating full commercial casino in Downstate New York, including New York City, generating an estimated $2 billion in tax revenue for Education and $2.5 billion for the MTA over the next four years, while the other greenfield proposals are not expected to open before mid-2030.

“This is not just a casino expansion. It’s a transformative economic development project that will keep New York City moving in every way. Resorts World New York City is the only bidder who can deliver a steady flow of new revenue for the MTA starting in 2026. This is a promise to the MTA and the people who rely on it that we are here to provide support,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East.

In addition to the MTA, RWNYC will also provide $2 billion to education and $0.5 billion to NYRA in support of the equine industry in New York. That will build on the nearly $5 billion RWNYC has sent to the state public education system since 2011, as well as billions for the equine industry that has sustained tens of thousands of jobs.

“Every Queens family deserves fast, high-quality public transportation, no matter their ZIP code or socioeconomic status. But ensuring that the necessary funding to build that kind of network is in place has been a challenge for as long as mass transit has existed in New York City. The planned expansion of Resorts World New York City will inject critical capital into the MTA at a time when conversations around the future of public transportation swirl the loudest, and I’m deeply grateful to the Resorts World team for their commitment to Queens’ commuters,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.

“This investment from Resorts World isn’t just about gaming — it’s about growth. We have a safe bet with one project that will provide support to the MTA right away. Resorts World’s contributions to the MTA will allow us to focus on the people’s work and expand accessibility,” said State Senator James Sanders, Jr.

“This is exactly the kind of investment New York and our local communities need — one that actually makes a difference for public transit. The fact that Resorts World’s expansion can provide this much support to the MTA on its own is a testament to the leadership we’ve seen from them for 14 years. This proves what we already knew, Resorts World is the only project that can truly deliver for our commuters,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.

“Private-sector support for our public works has never been more essential. Resorts World has stepped up to fill the gap and will continue to do so. Their expansion shows what responsible corporate citizenship looks like,” said Assembly Member Alicia L. Hyndman.

“For years, we’ve heard promises about big projects that would help our neighborhoods but Resorts World is actually delivering. They’ve engaged the community every step of the way to improve accessibility at Aqueduct. Now, they stand to take that to an entirely new level,” said Betty Braton, Chair, Community Board 10, Queens.