Genting Malaysia is ramping up its efforts to expand in New York State as the company eyes a full commercial casino license for Resorts World New York City (RWNYC). The Malaysian gaming company has already invested over $1 billion into its Queens-based property since its opening in 2011. This has allowed Genting to position itself as a major player in New York’s gambling market. With the downstate licensing process gaining momentum, Genting is making it clear that it wants a permanent seat at the table.
The company recently outlined plans to invest an additional $5 billion if granted one of the three full licenses expected to be awarded in the downstate region. RWNYC currently operates with a video lottery terminal license, meaning it lacks table games and other features that full casino status would allow. Upgrading the site could transform it into a tourist destination that contributes additional tax revenue to the state.
New York’s appetite for gambling expansion isn’t limited to physical casinos. People are finding enjoyment in the rise of online gambling. While the state currently regulates mobile sports betting, online casinos remain illegal, leaving a gap that offshore platforms are filling. These offshore online casinos operate outside U.S. jurisdiction but still attract players from states like New York. With better bonuses and fewer restrictions, they offer a tempting alternative, according to gambling expert Steven Brown (source: https://www.sportscasting.com/online-casinos/offshore/).
While the popularity of offshore casinos adds another layer of competition, Genting is not alone in its pursuit of land-based growth. Heavyweights like Caesars, Wynn, and Las Vegas Sands are also vying for a New York license. Still, Genting has a few key advantages. RWNYC is already operational, generating tax revenue and employing thousands. It’s located within city limits and easily accessible by subway, which could appeal to regulators eager for quick returns and minimal new construction. These factors could give Genting a leg up against rivals proposing entirely new builds.
The company has also been quietly building up its political relationships. Over the past decade, Genting has spent millions on lobbying efforts, building goodwill with state lawmakers and agencies. It’s also partnered with local organizations and shown its long-term commitment to the community. This track record may help tip the scales when decisions are made later this year.
However, community feedback, traffic concerns, and labor agreements could all affect the approval process. State officials have stressed that licenses won’t go to the highest bidder alone. Genting’s strategy appears to depend on proving it can deliver quickly without the usual headaches that come with building from scratch.
RWNYC isn’t Genting’s only foothold in the U.S., but it’s by far the most strategic. Its sister property, Resorts World Catskills, has struggled to reach profitability despite its picturesque setting and full gaming license. This lack has been blamed on competition in the area, and has led the company to consider filing for bankruptcy. This may influence Genting’s push in Queens, where demographics and transit access offer stronger long-term potential.
The New York State Gaming Commission is expected to come to a decision about the licenses sometime in 2025. Until then, Genting and its competitors will have to wait and continue to make their case through proposals, public engagement, and political outreach. For Genting, the stakes are high, but the potential reward, a permanent home in America’s biggest city, is worth the wait.
