Resorts World NYC Calls For Equal Casino Tax Rates

Resorts World New York City laid out its stance on tax policy for downstate casinos, stressing that it wants a single standardized rate once its future competitors launch full operations. The message appears in its supplemental gaming license application and counters the idea that the company asked New York State to reduce its own proposed rates.

Good to Know

• RWNYC offered to pay 56 percent on slots and 30 percent on tables
• Company wants matching tax rates across all operators once rivals open
• All three major downstate bids cleared a key approval milestone

In its October filing, Resorts World proposed rates far above the state minimums of 25 percent for slots and 10 percent for table games. By comparison, Metropolitan Park set table games at 10 percent with a 25 percent slot rate, while Ballys Bronx proposed 10 percent for tables and 30 percent for slots.

RWNYC asks for equal treatment once competitors launch

A provision in the application states that Resorts World will honor the higher tax rates until other operators open their casinos. After that point, it wants all downstate properties taxed at the same levels.

The filing states:

“If other Downstate Licensees open with lower tax rates on slots or tables, RWNYC’s tax rate should also be lowered because all proposed sites are close together and the same tax rate should apply to maintain a level playing field and avoid cannibalization.”

Reports last month suggested Resorts World pushed for a reduction in its tax burden after submitting the application. The company said those claims misinterpreted the original documentation and insisted no new requests were made.

Opening timeline and state review

Both Metropolitan Park and Ballys expect to open by 2030. Resorts World says it could have full casino operations up and running by March 2026 if selected for a commercial license.

All three bids passed an important checkpoint last week when the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board advanced them to the next stage. The New York State Gaming Commission is expected to make a final decision before the end of the year.

Support from local business leaders

Queens Chamber of Commerce president Tom Grech described Resorts World as “an incredible partner to all of Queens,” adding that the project could build on “the billions of dollars in tax revenue that will build on their status as the state’s No. 1 taxpayer.”

Across New York, the four upstate casinos pay a uniform 10 percent on table games, and a 2021 change allowed them to request slot-tax reductions to 30 percent. All four upstate casinos have since adopted the lower rate.

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