Resorts World NYC Expands Casino Operations as Revenue Remains Flat
United States – 11 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Resorts World New York City has completed its first six months as a full commercial casino, significantly expanding its gaming capacity without achieving a corresponding increase in revenue.
According to figures published by the New York State Gaming Commission, the property continues to generate approximately US$30 million in weekly gross gaming revenue (GGR), despite a substantial increase in slot machines and gaming tables.
The results raise questions about the casino’s long-term financial projections and its ability to fulfil the investment commitments made during the licensing process.
Six Months of Commercial Casino Operations
Resorts World NYC began operating as a full commercial casino in late April 2026, becoming the first property to launch under New York’s new downstate casino licensing framework.
Between early May and the beginning of November, weekly gross gaming revenue remained within a range of US$27 million to US$32 million.
This stability contrasts with the significant expansion of the property’s gaming facilities, which has substantially increased the number of available gaming positions.
Expansion of Slot Machines and Gaming Tables
During its first six months, Resorts World significantly increased its gaming capacity.
The property expanded from approximately 2,500 slot machines and 240 gaming tables to nearly 4,000 slots and 350 tables.
Its long-term development plans envisage a gradual increase to as many as 6,000 slot machines and 800 gaming tables.
However, during the licensing process, the operator submitted specific configurations for 4,635 slots and 534 tables, a difference highlighted by state regulators.
Slot Revenue Fails to Match Capacity Growth
One of the most significant performance indicators is the decline in average revenue generated per slot machine.
During the first week of commercial operations, each unit generated approximately US$1,505 per day.
That figure has since fallen to around US$700 per day, representing a decline of more than 50%.
Meanwhile, promotional credits have increased from an average of approximately US$700,000 per week during the opening months to more than US$1.7 million weekly.
Despite the higher promotional expenditure and additional gaming machines, weekly slot GGR has remained between US$19 million and US$22 million.
Table Games Also Show Limited Growth
The table games segment has similarly failed to deliver sustained revenue growth proportional to the increase in capacity.
During the third week of October, Resorts World recorded US$12.2 million in table gaming revenue with 242 operating tables.
Over the following two weeks, the number of tables increased to 301 and subsequently 345, yet revenue remained below US$10.5 million in both periods.
These results indicate that the expansion of the gaming offering has not immediately translated into higher overall revenue.
Annual Revenue Projections of Up to US$3 Billion
During the licensing process, Resorts World submitted one of the market’s most ambitious financial forecasts.
The company projected annual gross gaming revenue of between US$2.7 billion and US$3 billion by 2031, when all three downstate New York commercial casinos are expected to be operational.
However, its current performance represents an annualised revenue pace of approximately US$1.5 billion.
The Gaming Facility Location Board had previously questioned these projections, particularly the assumptions concerning tourism and high-value players.
Achieving the company’s targets would require revenue to almost double from current levels, even as additional competitors enter the market.
US$5.5 Billion Expansion Programme
The property is pursuing an expansion and renovation programme valued at approximately US$5.5 billion.
State regulators have warned that the project’s financing structure depends heavily on future operating cash flow and debt financing.
If revenue remains below expectations or the company is unable to secure additional borrowing, funding difficulties could affect the completion of the development.
Such circumstances could require further capital contributions from the parent company, affiliated businesses or third-party investors.
Higher Tax Rates Than Future Competitors
Resorts World faces a significantly higher tax structure than the other two licensed downstate New York casino projects.
The property currently pays:
- 56% tax on slot gaming revenue.
- 30% tax on table gaming revenue.
By comparison, Bally’s Bronx committed to rates of 30% and 10%, respectively, while Hard Rock Metropolitan Park proposed rates of 25% and 10%.
Both competing developments are expected to open in 2030.
The tax differences could become an important factor affecting Resorts World’s future competitiveness and profitability.
Dispute Over Horse Racing Contributions
Another significant financial challenge involves a disagreement between Resorts World and New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration regarding mandatory contributions to horse racing purses.
State authorities maintain that the 56% slot gaming tax is separate from the casino’s financial obligations to the racing industry.
These contributions could amount to more than US$150 million annually.
Resorts World argues that its original tax proposal already included the racing levy and has warned that making the payments separately would increase its effective tax burden to more than 70%.
The operator believes such a scenario could undermine the project’s financial viability.
During the summer, lawmakers introduced temporary measures to ensure racing industry payments continued, although the underlying dispute remained unresolved in early September.
Connections to New York’s Horse Racing Industry
Resorts World NYC is situated on the grounds of the historic Aqueduct Racetrack, which closed in June 2026.
Despite the closure, the operator continues to maintain commercial relationships with the horse racing industry.
In August, it sponsored the Resorts World Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
Meanwhile, Belmont Park reopened following a renovation programme valued at approximately US$550 million and is preparing to host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup.
Its autumn 2026 racing programme features US$17.7 million in total prize money, including the US$1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Next Steps and Industry Impact
Resorts World NYC’s first six months of commercial operations reveal a significant difference between infrastructure expansion and revenue performance.
Although the property has consolidated its position as a major New York casino destination, stable revenue levels present challenges for achieving its long-term financial forecasts.
The future openings of Bally’s Bronx and Hard Rock Metropolitan Park will introduce additional competition into a market where Resorts World must demonstrate that its expansion can generate improved profitability.
Revenue performance, taxation obligations and development financing will remain crucial factors in determining the property’s future financial position.
Editó: @fonta


