The New York Gaming Facility Location Board’s move on Monday to back gaming licenses for three New York City casino proposals, including Resorts World’s expansion in Queens, marks a new period of uncertainty for the Resorts World Catskills casino property in the Hudson Valley.
Resorts World celebrated the board’s decision to recommend state gaming licenses for it to expand its existing “racino” at Aqueduct Raceway to include table games, as well as support bids for Metropolitan Park in Queens and Bally’s in the Bronx. The State Gaming Commission will conduct a final review of each applicant’s qualifications before issuing the licenses.
“Resorts World New York City’s journey to this historic moment represents more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue, and opportunities for our neighbors,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East.
But the racino expansion and two new casinos in New York City are not expected to create opportunities for their Hudson Valley neighbor, the Resorts World Catskills casino, which opened in the town of Thompson in 2018.
An April report by Capacity Consulting found a single casino in the New York City area could result in Resorts World Catskill losing $51 million annually – a quarter of its revenue – and multiple downstate casinos could cause revenue to drop by up to 76%. It also states Sullivan County could lose nearly 400 jobs and $2.3 million in local tax revenue under the one-casino scenario.
The report notes the Hudson Valley casino already serves the New York City market, busing patrons in from Flushing, Chinatown and Midtown.
“If casinos are built closer to those customers, Sullivan County could lose significant visitors very quickly,” the report states.
Additionally, Sullivan County’s Industrial Development Agency announced this year that the recently formed Sullivan County Resort Facilities Local Development Corporation will borrow $585 million to acquire the non-gaming assets of the Resorts World Catsill resort, which, according to the New York State Gaming Commission, saw revenue drop nearly 13% from 2023 to 2025.
The acquisition includes the site’s hotel, golf course and the 1,700-acre Adelaar property. Sullivan County officials say acquiring the land will enable continued development of the property to spur economic growth and housing development.
The plan for the Resorts World New York City is predicted to create thousands of permanent jobs, and includes a 7,000-seat entertainment venue.
DeSalvio said the project’s $7.5 billion proposal “is the only bid that can expand operations in just 90 days, generating billions in new revenue for mass transit and public education over the next four years.”
State Gaming Facility Location Board members said their decisions on Monday weighed several factors, including projected tax revenue and economic benefits for surrounding communities.
Gov. Kathy Hochul praised the decisions by the five-member board, saying they will unlock billions in funding for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs.
The Gaming Commission is expected to issue the final licenses by Dec. 31.